Performance

U.S. Toxic Release Inventory (kg)

In 2005, no landfill disposal of toxic release inventory materials was made. Dow Corning has reduced emissions to the air by 6% and emissions to the water by 64%, when compared to the 1997 baseline. Although an increase has been noticed in these numbers from 2002 to 2005, attributed mainly to the company’s continuing increases in production, emissions levels remain within the limits allowed by our operating permits.

View U.S. Toxic Release Table - 1997 to 2005 (PDF Size: 21 KB)

Energy Efficiency

This graph shows the carbon dioxide equivalent released per kilogram (kg) of product produced for three main product categories, which group products according to the energy required for their production. Results are reported relative to a baseline average for years 1998 through 2001. (This is the baseline mandated by the Chicago Climate Exchange. It is being used by Dow Corning as a measure for energy and CO2 reduction targets.) The graph shows that two of the three product categories have made an improvement relative to the baseline, showing a greater than 30% improvement as of 2006. The two have also both improved slightly over 2005.

View graph showing Relative CO₂Intensity against a 1998-2001 average baseline (PDF Size: 21 KB)

The graph below indicates the energy used per kilogram (kg) of product produced for the three product categories, relative to the baseline average. Two of the categories have made significant improvements relative to the baseline, with one showing a greater than 30% improvement, and the other a greater than 20% improvement in 2006. The two have also both improved slightly over 2005. Overall, Dow Corning is on track to meet its internal energy goals.

View graph showing Relative energy efficiency against a 1998-2001 baseline (PDF Size: 16 KB)

Employee Health & Safety

At Dow Corning, our priority of safety is based on our commitment to an injury-free work environment. Our focus is on preventing situations that cause injury or illness. There has been a small fluctuation in numbers compared to previous years. Dow Corning’s internal safety programs continue to help the company sustain its health and safety performance in alignment with its Employee Health & Safety Goals.

View table showing Employee Health & Safety: Total Number of Incidents (PDF Size: 20 KB)

Process Safety

Our commitment to safety extends to our employees as well as our communities. Our manufacturing operations and other facilities undergo scrutiny to uncover and correct potential issues. If an incident does occur, it is carefully investigated for identification of the root cause, and corrective action is taken to avoid recurrence. Solutions are shared globally, so other sites can benefit from the learning. Dow Corning management placed significant attention on safety programs in 2006, focusing on identifying and eliminating unsafe practices and procedures. This increased awareness, plus the implementation of internal safety programs and campaigns, is making a real difference. While the number of fires and explosions increased slightly, there was a sizeable decrease in the number of spills and releases. We continue to make progress toward our Process Safety goals.

View table showing Incidents  recorded from 2003 to 2006 (PDF Size: 14 KB)