RIT To Host Pollution Prevention Institute

by: robert.harding

Fri Feb 29, 2008 at 11:40:00 AM EST

Governor's press release.

Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced the selection of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) as the host of the Pollution Prevention Institute, a cutting-edge research and development center to design and test "green" manufacturing methods and provide technical support to businesses for pollution reduction measures that will help make them more competitive. Governor Spitzer proposed $4 million for the Institute in his 2008-09 Executive Budget, building on the $2 million he and the Legislature included in last year's budget to launch the Institute.

RIT's primary mission will be to promote cost effective pollution prevention techniques so that large and small business can reduce energy costs, hazardous substances, and wastes. Investing in pollution prevention will also promote the competitive advantage of New York's businesses.

The Institute will assist industry in reducing its environmental impact by decreasing the use of toxic chemicals, cutting waste generation, decreasing exposure risks to workers, and promoting more efficient use of raw materials and energy.

The Institute will tap into cutting edge academic research and technology to help bring pollution-reduction processes to market by identifying practical pollution-reduction methods, cost-effective equipment and safe materials. The Institute will work collaboratively with businesses, provide professional education and training and create a pipeline of technical advancements.

"By creating the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, we are seizing an opportunity to help businesses become greener while improving productivity and reducing environmental damage," said Governor Spitzer. "There is tremendous job creation potential that can come from new innovations from the research efforts of the Institute and its partners. In today's world, there is a shift developing in how we produce, distribute, sell and use goods and services. This transformation is being driven by governments, private organizations, businesses and consumers for a variety of economic, environmental and social reasons."

Here's an interesting fact for you.

In 2005, the federal Toxics Release Inventory revealed that New York companies reported 312 million pounds of toxic chemical waste generated and 42 million pounds released into the environment. These figures point to an untapped opportunity to reduce the impact of toxins on human health and the environment. Moreover, regulations at the State, national and international levels indicate a shift toward reducing toxic and hazardous substances and an emphasis on product recycling. A 2003 report by the New York State Assembly found that the lack of a focused research-and-development center and on-site technical assistance for businesses was a major shortcoming in the State's pollution prevention efforts.

This is great news for RIT and for New York. This will assist businesses become "greener" and will help New York become a much more environmental-friendly place in the process.