Columbia Gas of Ohio’s Sustainability Efforts Highlighted
4/20/2010 6:27:41 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In an effort to provide stakeholders an in-depth look at the company’s progress toward building sustainable value, NiSource Inc., parent company of Columbia Gas of Ohio, has issued its first annual Sustainability Report. Columbia Gas of Ohio’s efforts contribute to overall corporate goals through specific, local customer-focused programs.
The comprehensive 2009 Sustainability Report outlines the NiSource companies’ ongoing sustainable business approach, including how they continue to build value through customer-focused energy solutions; environmental stewardship; strong, stable communities and engaged, aligned and safe employee teams.
“Our goal is to build sustainability into every aspect of our business,” said Columbia President Jack Partridge. “From the materials we buy and use, to the way we design projects, to the suppliers we work with, we are serious about establishing a legacy of sustained economic growth, social responsibility and environmental stewardship.”
Columbia Gas of Ohio’s Sustainability Contribution
Energy efficiency programs:
- Simple Energy Solutions - providing ways for customers to reduce natural gas usage through energy efficient products.
- Home Performance Solutions - provides affordable energy audits to identify energy savings opportunities in the home.
- Small Business Energy Solutions - helps businesses lower energy usage.
- Warm Choice® - provides income-eligible customers with a home heating inspection and no-cost weatherization services.
The company’s Direct e-Bill provides online statements to customers, eliminating the need to mail bills. For every 38,500 paperless bills provided, the environmental impact is a savings of at least one ton of paper and 5,058 pounds of greenhouse gases.
Additionally, each enrollment in Direct e-Bill during a recent special promotion qualified for a Columbia Gas contribution to The Nature Conservancy for the planting of 10 trees. This partnership will result in some 80,000 trees being planted on behalf of Columbia Gas customers.
Columbia recently adopted guidelines to replace its fleet vehicles that are being retired from service with hybrid vehicles.
A new, more comprehensive office recycling program has been implemented at the Columbia headquarters in Columbus.
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With approximately 1.4 million customers in 61 of Ohio’s 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states.
About NiSource
NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.NiSource.com
Headline News