Furman University Receives Award in Recognition of Sustainability Efforts

GREENVILLE, SC – May 7, 2008 – Furman University has received the Sam Johnson Leadership in Sustainability Award for its outstanding dedication and achievement in sustainability.

The university received the award last week in Washington, D.C., at the Sustainable Facility Care Forum, a one-day plenary event designed to give members of the facility cleaning and management industry an opportunity to better understand trends in sustainable facility care.  The event was co-hosted by JohnsonDiversey Inc., a leading global provider of sustainable cleaning and hygiene solutions, and the Leonardo Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability in buildings.

The Sam Johnson Leadership in Sustainability Award is given to a company or organization that displays a total commitment to sustainability. Criteria included a proven track record of sustainable facility care, green building practices and certifications, organizational commitment and communication to key constituents.  A $5,000 gift is made to the World Wildlife Fund on behalf of the award winner.

In receiving the award, Furman was cited for its broad application of green cleaning practices, having the first building in the state to earn LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, proclaiming 2007 as the Year of the Environment, and mounting an educational outreach campaign aimed at building environmental awareness on campus and throughout the community.

Furman University has developed an exemplary culture of sustainability, one that permeates the school’s mission and differentiates it among liberal arts colleges throughout the country, said S. Curtis Johnson, chairman of JohnsonDiversey.  In recognition of its leadership in promoting principles of sustainability across its campus and throughout its community, I am honored to present this award to Furman.