The Collins Companies: Climate Savers Agreement News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2002.

CONTACT: Michael J. Lukens, Dept. of Environmental Protection, 717.783.1116

Gov. Schweiker Honors PA Business and Organizations for Oustanding Enviromental Protection. Kane Hardwood of McKean County receives sustainability award.

HARRISBURG - Gov. Mark Schweiker today honored 41 Pennsylvania companies and organizations from 28 counties for their outstanding achievements in environmental protection at the annual Governorís Award for Environmental Excellence ceremony.

In addition, Gov. Schweiker announced that Kane Hardwood of McKean County received the Governor's Award for Environmental Sustainability, which is presented to the company or organization that best embodies the three elements of sustainability: environmental improvement, economic development and positive social change.

The winners of the Governorís Award for Environmental Excellence are real-life examples of how we can all work together to save the environment,î Gov. Schweiker said. "These winners have brought innovative thinking to our efforts to reduce pollution and preserve our resources."

"One person, one organization or one company might not think they can make much of a difference in reducing pollution. But every day, thanks to the contributions of businesses, local governments, farmers, watershed groups and individual citizens, Pennsylvania as a whole is reducing pollution, saving natural resources and cutting costs."

Together, this yearís award winners have eliminated 2,192 tons of air pollutants; reduced solid-waste disposal by 607,520 tons; conserved 7.9 million gallons of water; and reduced energy consumption by 20.8 kilowatt hours -- all while saving $12.8 million annually.

Since 1997, a total of 256 award recipients have reduced wastewater by 6.4 billion gallons, solid waste by 142 million tons, and air emissions by 131 million tons. They have saved more than 113 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, and have reduced their own costs by $790 million.

"Results like this just donít happen overnight or by themselves -- it takes a team effort,î Gov. Schweiker said. "The award-winning leadership of these companies and organizations is improving the environment and improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians."

The Governorís Environmental Excellence Award was created in 1996 and honors organizations, businesses and individuals for positively impacting Pennsylvaniaís environment. The awards are presented in four categories: energy efficiency, land use, education and outreach, and resource protection.

Kane Harwood, the winner of the Governorís Award for Environmental Sustainability, supports the production of wood on a sustained, renewable basis. The company is committed to the total health maintenance of the forest ecosystem on its more than 120,000 acres of forestland.

The company invests in research, mapping, planning and training that promotes environmentally responsible practices to ensure an abundance of natural resources for the next generation.

To view webcasts of the award winners and their accomplishments, visit www.GreenWorks.tv.

Applications for the 2003 awards will soon be available through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "environmental excellence," or by calling
717.783.9981.

The Premier Sponsor of the Business Ethics Awards is The MONY Group. Additional support was provided by Baxter, Devry, Sonoco, SAIC, and Blue Ridge ESOP. Selection of winners is made by an independent panel of judges. For the full story, see www.business-ethics.com.