OMNOVA Solutions’ Global Technology Center (GTC) in Akron, Ohio, recently received a 2011 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) Performance from the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC). The awards recognize effective, vital and sustainable programs that have resulted in measurable enhancements to company performance, as well as the commitment to working in close collaboration with government officials, industry peers, and communities to share successes and encourage good relations.

Through a State of Ohio-sponsored energy audit, OMNOVA reportedly identified and replaced inefficient steam heating and other heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units at its GTC. By matching a grant received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, facility leaders were able to replace previously installed equipment with contemporary high-efficiency natural gas solutions. The new equipment is expected to save over 3.3 billion BTUs of combined electrical and natural gas use per year over the baseline level established in 2010.