Bendix’s William Schubert Celebrated for Waste-Diversion Leadership

Named an Inaugural Waste Fit Champion in Recognition of Sustainability Efforts

ELYRIA, Ohio – Nov. 6, 2018 – Diverting waste, reducing energy usage, shrinking its carbon footprint, and remanufacturing – Bendix (Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC) is in constant pursuit of achieving these sustainability goals. The company has its eye on a critical target: Become 100 percent landfill-free across all facilities by 2020. It’s a tall order, but Bendix is proving itself up to the task, thanks in large part to the stewardship of William Schubert, corporate manager, environmental and sustainability.

In recognition of his sustainability efforts, Schubert has been named to the inaugural Waste Fit Champions list. The new annual program was created to recognize sustainability leaders for reducing waste, improving recycling, and delivering on sustainability in their organizations. Waste Fit Champions are selected by a partnership of Rubicon Global, the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Goodr Co.

One of 42 honorees, Schubert secured his place in the Waste Fit Champions lineup after helping Bendix implement industrial waste disposal options, recycling programs, and spent material audits. At the company’s Elyria headquarters, he also oversaw a pilot program directed by the Bendix Green Team – a group of employee volunteers – that partnered with an area landscaper to address organic waste.

The program was later launched site-wide with the addition of centralized waste collection areas. The Elyria site now includes central waste stations strategically located throughout the building, with options for recycling, composting, and landfill. This has nearly eliminated deskside waste and recycling bins, and reduced overall landfill waste by 54 percent.

“Being named a Waste Fit Champion acknowledges what has truly been a team effort,” Schubert said. “Sustainability at Bendix is fueled by members of the local HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) Team, as well as our extended Green Team – who are all passionate about spreading awareness and educating our colleagues on important sustainability issues facing the world. The centralized waste project in Elyria was a particularly important and special effort because it touched every person that works here, and has helped establish a dialogue across the business about waste reduction and disposal.”

The centralized waste project is part of Bendix’s two-part plan for becoming landfill-free: The first part focuses on industrial waste; the second part aims at all remaining waste, including general trash and cafeteria waste.          

Bendix remains well on track to reach its goals by concentrating on a critical component of a successful zero-waste program – employee awareness and participation.

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“An important part of any sustainability movement is the ability to spread the message and positive behaviors,” Schubert said. “In this case, through our program’s success, not only are we able to continue to teach each other about the benefits and importance of recycling and composting, but we are able to set an example in our industry and our community that others can follow. I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes sustainable initiatives and creates a supportive work environment where innovative and new ideas are encouraged.”

Source: Bendix

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