International Paper is committing to use 15 percent less energy and to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. Using 2010 as a baseline, these goals are the first in a set of comprehensive sustainability goals the company will announce in the next six months.

"Our commitment to sustainability spans our 110 year history and these goals are a natural next step in demonstrating that we can make the products that matter to people in a way that matters," said David Kiser, International Paper vice president, environment, health, safety & sustainability.

International Paper plans to achieve these reductions by increasing manufacturing efficiencies, exploring new technologies and engaging our employees to find innovative solutions in its operations.

"The goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions go hand-in-hand. Less energy means fewer emissions and in the last five years we have been able to reduce our energy usage by 12 percent. We are confident we can achieve these goals while still delivering our industry leading products, performance and customer service," Kiser added.

International Paper is announcing these goals in conjunction with recent recognition it received from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program for achieving voluntary fossil fuel greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 40 percent from 2000 to 2010.

"We congratulate International Paper for meeting their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program," said Beth Craig, EPA's Acting Director of the Office of Atmospheric Programs. "They are proving that they can be both industry leaders and leaders in the fight against climate change."

EPA's Climate Leaders is an industry-government partnership that works to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Participating companies commit to reduce their impact on the global environment by completing a corporate-wide inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions based on a quality management system, setting aggressive reduction goals, and annually reporting their progress to EPA. Program participants are recognized by the EPA as corporate environmental leaders.