FAIRLAWN, OH – OMNOVA Solutions’ Global Technology Center (GTC) in Akron, OH, received a 2011 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) Performance from the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council. The awards recognize effective, vital and sustainable programs that have resulted in measurable enhancements to company performance and 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 identified and replaced inefficient steam heating and other HVAC units at its GTC in Akron. By matching a grant received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, facility leaders successfully replaced 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. Local consultants, contractors and workers designed and installed the American-made equipment in accordance with the grant’s provisions. The facility also has made substantial improvements to its façade by replacing windows and roofing with high efficiency upgrades to complement the HVAC improvements. OMNOVA’s GTC is one of two global facilities at which many of the company’s new product development and sustainability initiatives originate.

“The energy saving improvements at our Global Technology Center are only a few examples of the many actions and programs OMNOVA has introduced across its global landscape,” said John Finn, OMNOVA Director of Environmental Affairs. “Each of our company’s facilities is dedicated to meeting our Vision 2014 goals, while also enhancing the value we bring to our customers and serving as leaders in the communities in which we operate. This award signifies that we are on the right path and that we continue to take advantage of the opportunities available to strengthen our position as a Responsible Care^®company.”

The Ohio Chemistry Technology Council is a statewide trade association with nearly 70 member companies involved in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of products of chemistry.