DAYTON, Ohio - Standard Register, a leader in critical communications solutions for business and healthcare, received an overall score of 93 out of 100 in the 2012 Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) update on greenhouse gas emissions data and climate change strategies. By way of comparison, the average score among more than 2,500 companies that participate in its annual global survey for Standard Register's category, supply chain companies, was 48.

"Sustainability is one of Standard Register's corporate initiatives," said Joseph P. Morgan, Jr., president and chief executive officer. "Our 2012 CDP score is a significant achievement. It reflects the commitment of our company and all our employees to integrate preservation of the environment with our overall business strategy. Our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders appreciate, support and benefit from our efforts to reduce environmental impact with our business practices."

Standard Register has a three-pronged approach to its sustainability program, according to Steve McDonell, vice president of engineering and sustainability.

1. Earning certification from organizations that promote responsible management of the world's forests, such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

2. Managing waste with comprehensive reduction and recycling throughout the company.

3. Managing resources to reduce use of energy and water, and measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.

Standard Register improved its overall score from 89 in 2011 to 93 in 2012 by elevating its program throughout the company and increasing executive and board of directors support and sponsorship. The CDP measures both the scope of a company's program and how well it is executed. For 2012, Standard Register made the most improvement and was awarded the top score of 100 in both emissions management (supply chain average was 56) and stakeholder engagement and verification (supply chain average was 32). The company received an overall rating of "B" on its CDP performance bands which reflect execution compared to an average of "D." The CDP only rates companies that score above 50.

"Standard Register's "green" initiatives have been a part of our business model for a number of years and we have a long-term commitment to sustainability," said McDonell. "Along with other companies that report results through CDP, we are demonstrating that by improving the management of environmental risk, we can build a more sustainable economy. For 2013, we will continue to forge ahead to strengthen our program and standardize our processes to lower energy costs, reduce waste and conserve resources."

Among the initiatives underway and planned for 2013 are the creation of a formalized Environmental Management Program that will be ISO14001 compliant and allows for facility certification, continued reduction of the company's overall effect on the environment and increased communications with employees, suppliers, customers and stakeholders.