As an environmentally responsible citizen of the global community, it is our responsibility to assure that our facilities, processes and products meet or exceed all applicable government standards and regulations relating to the environment. We recognize our perpetual duty to:

• Support the environmental goal to eliminate pollution at the source.
• Conserve natural resources through reduction, reuse and recycling of materials.
• Develop long-lasting products that have a minimal effect on the environment.
• Strive for continuous improvement with our environmental performance.

Project XL, which stands for eXcellence and Leadership, is a regulatory reinvention program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It tests innovative ways of achieving the best environmental performance and flexibility for manufacturers with increased involvement for local communities. Andersen is the first company in Minnesota to have an XL project approved, and only the thirteenth nationally.

Andersen signed a Final Project Agreement with the EPA, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and Washington County in 1999, outlining the Project XL pilot for Andersen’s Bayport, Minnesota facility. Andersen committed to four Project Goals for this pilot:

• Continuous improvement of environmental performance,
• Maximize local public understanding,
• Remove pollution prevention barriers, and
• Minimize administrative burden for regulatory agencies and Andersen.

Participation in this pilot project will provide the Bayport, Minnesota facility with a multimedia (air, water, and waste) XL Permit.

Andersen’s partnership with the Bayport, Minnesota community is reflected in the membership of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Members represent local community residents, government officials, businesses, Andersen employees, and the environmental community. The CAC is involved with all aspects of Andersen’s Project XL and meets regularly for updates on the progress of the permitting process.

The EPA accepted Andersen’s Bayport, Minnesota facility into their National Environmental Performance Track program in 2000 as a charter member. The EMCO facility in Des Moines, Iowa, also was accepted into this program in 2002. The program is designed to reward companies that are recognized as top environmental performers. As part of the program, Andersen and EMCO have reportable project commitments for improved environmental performance.

Clean Air Minnesota, a program of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, is a partnership of businesses, environmental groups, government agencies and citizens working together to achieve significant, measurable reduction in air pollution. As part of our company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Andersen became a founding partner of Clean Air Minnesota in 2003.

Andersen is a supporter of Metafore, a non-profit organization that collaborates with business and society to create market-based approaches to support forests and communities. Andersen also gives preference to purchasing wood supplies that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or other equivalent systems. As available, Andersen uses these certified supplies while pursuing the best wood in terms of quality, price, volume, and consistency. Third-Party certification ensures the forest is being managed in an environmentally appropriate, economically viable and socially beneficial manner.