LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Michelin North America Inc.'s Louisville-based American Synthetic Rubber Co. manufacturing facility has won a Resources Caretaker Award.
The award was presented at the 38th annual Kentucky Governor's Conference on Energy and the Environment recently in Lexington, Ky.
ASRC received the award for its development of the Campground Native Area habitat, located across from the plant. Originally a landfill for the facility, the area now is a 75-acre habitat that is home to four natural environments, including forest, wetland, wildflower and prairie.
Michelin credited ASRC's staff and employees who volunteered their time for the success of the project.
“We are very proud to be recognized by the Kentucky Environmental Cabinet for our work at the habitat,” said Guillaume Coiraton, plant manager and chief operating officer at ASRC, who accepted the award on behalf of ASRC and Michelin North America. “The award highlights our employees' commitment to the environment and to preserving resources in our community“.
ASRC collaborated with Waste Management Inc. on the project, which has been recognized nationally by the Wildlife Habitat Council and the Stewardship Action Council.
Each year, Kentucky's Energy and Environmental Cabinet recognizes individuals and companies making contributions to state environmental goals. The Resources Caretaker Award, under the Environmental Excellence designation by the Cabinet, recognizes environmental stewards in Kentucky that demonstrate environmental planning and leadership.
The Campground Native Area is certified as a Wildlife at Work program, with an apiary with established honey production and a walking path for employees. A pavilion is slated to be constructed on the property.
ASRC was first established prior to World War II by the U.S. Office of War Production to help assure the supply of rubber. Michelin bought the plant, which has been upgraded over the years, in 1992. It became a division of Michelin North America Inc. in 2008.