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ACT Global Sports, a leading manufacturer of artificial turf announced a comprehensive program to address global warming. Its offices have become carbon-neutral through ACT Global’s investment in reforestation projects around the world. The donations in certified reforestation projects in the U.S., Nicaragua and China will help offset the carbon footprint of ACT Global’s administrative offices. The Xtreme Turf and ACTurf systems of ACT Global have many uses in the areas of sports fields, landscaping, parks, playgrounds and lawns. We are pleased to be a small part of the solution by developing environmentally friendly technologies and investing in reforestation.
Act Global Sports, a leading manufacturer of artificial turf gets greener.
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Issued by Synthetic Turf Council – January 2009
(Atlanta, Ga.) – Despite the recession, thousands of jobs have been created by the
synthetic turf industry according to the Synthetic Turf Council, which announced a
20% expansion rate for 2008. Growth in all sectors of the industry — sports fields, golf,
municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential – has also helped conserve an
additional 500 million gallons of water during a time when many sectors of the country
still grapple with drought.
“Our member companies are actively creating jobs and bolstering local economies with
their growth,” explains Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “Industry
expansion also allows us to make a positive impact on the environment by conserving
water, lowering the usage of pesticides and fertilizers and recycling materials.”
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Research Verifies Numerous Usage Benefits and Minimal Health & Environmental Risks
From the Synthetic Turf Council (USA) November 2007
These days, synthetic turf seems to be everywhere. It empowered the Barrow Whalers to become the first Arctic high school football team in northern Alaska, helped Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, New York win the New York State Field Hockey Championship in 2006 and was even endorsed by ABC sportscasters during their November 26, 2007 broadcast of the Pittsburgh Steelers-Miami Dolphins game, when a rain-soaked layer of newly installed sod turned Heinz Field into a veritable mud pit.
The escalating need for durable fields that accommodate multiple sports teams, coupled with increasing maintenance, water usage costs and climatic shifts, have prompted a rising number of schools and parks to turn to synthetic turf to balance their program needs. Today’s synthetic turf is designed to simulate the experience of practicing and playing on a grass-like surface year round. Demand has grown to the point where over 800 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are installed annually in North American schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. About half of all NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf, and it has been recently been approved for World Cup soccer matches.
The Issue
As the popularity of synthetic turf escalates, so does scrutiny about its usage. Insightful and responsible questions are being asked regarding synthetic turf’s potential negative impact on the environment and health of its users. The STC acknowledges the concerns of parents, school boards, athletic directors, local officials and environmental and regulatory groups in this regard. As the industry’s trade organization, it is our responsibility to address these issues in an unbiased and judicious manner.
During the past decade, much independent, credible research about synthetic turf has been conducted worldwide, and is ongoing. Reputable governmental bodies and scientists in Norway, Sweden, Canada, Great Britain, New Jersey, California and Connecticut, international sports organizations such as FIFA (the international governing body on soccer), and trade institutes have examined the health and environmental aspects of synthetic turf.
Their exhaustive efforts have concluded that there is every reason to use synthetic turf while perceived or proposed environmental and health problems have a negligible impact. Further, to date, no state or federal agency has banned or restricted the use of artificial turf. In fact, environmental health officials in Connecticut recently pronounced that the chemical compounds associated with the infill material from recycled rubber tires used in this technology posed no danger to human health or the environment.
Environmental Advantages of Synthetic Turf
Crumb used tire rubber has been safely utilized in synthetic turf sports fields since it was introduced in 1997, and in playgrounds and tracks for much longer. The U.S. EPA’s position is that scrap tires are not a hazardous waste, and recommends using crumb material from granulated used tires for playgrounds, running tracks, and sports fields. This decree has afforded the opportunity to recycle 25 million used auto tires per year, tires that would otherwise end up in U.S. landfills.
A well-maintained natural turf field requires consistent irrigation and ongoing applications of both fertilizers and pesticides. It is not uncommon for grass fields to require 50,000 gallons or more of irrigation water per week during growing season and thousands of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually. Synthetic turf fields substantially decrease water usage, essentially eliminate chemical treatments and reduce the man hours and power equipment operation needed to maintain a grass field.
User Benefits of Synthetic Turf
Increasing demand for higher quality playing surfaces and intense competition for field accessibility have given rise to a new generation of synthetic turf systems that replicate the look and feel of manicured natural grass. Synthetic turf is supplanting its grass counterpart in record numbers because of the numerous benefits it affords, including: exponentially increased playing time, as synthetic turf can be used daily and in all types of weather, without worry of damage; improved playability, as synthetic turf fields remain uniform and consistent, season after season; increased safety, because the fields are infilled with resilient materials that provide a level of impact attenuation that is difficult to sustain on worn down, over-used natural turf fields; reduced maintenance costs; and environmental friendliness in terms of origin, application, use, disposal, sustainability and resource conservation.
In addition, while turf grass managers recommend against using a natural field for more than 20 – 24 hours per week or 680 to 816 hours per year for a three season window, synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no “rest” required.
STC Position
At STC, we believe that reliable scientific data should be the foundation of any discussion regarding synthetic turf’s safety and utility. After reviewing the available research from a diverse group of third party experts, our organization is confident that the benefits of synthetic turf to players, schools, communities and the environment are documented and substantially outweigh any potential, minimal risks.
Claims of toxicity are generally based on extreme laboratory testing such as the use of solvents and high temperatures to generate pollutants. Rarely replicating actual field conditions, this laboratory work does not represent realistic material characteristics. More often than not, even with laboratory testing, results in levels of pollutants are below existing background levels within the environment. Given these facts, the environmental concerns have been deemed insignificant by third-party experts. This position is consistent with recommendations of regulating agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. EPA and FIFA, that sports fields is an acceptable use for recycled SBR tire rubber.
Individuals need to weigh the facts themselves to determine if synthetic turf best meets their needs. A collection of unfiltered, credible studies conducted by experts worldwide have been posted on our Web site (www.syntheticturfcouncil.org) for review. In addition, we have launched a Public Outreach & Education Campaign to provide answers to commonly asked questions, as well as educational materials and position papers.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, and landscape applications. The organization actively collects reputable studies and research, as well as official statements by governmental agencies and sports organizations, which address the impact of synthetic turf sports fields. STC members produce and install most of the synthetic turf sports fields in North America. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, installation contractors and other specialty service companies.
Act Global Sports is a proud member of the Synthetic Turf Council.
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ACT Global Sports is a proud active participant and supporter of the United Nations’ Global Compact. As a multi-national organization, proper corporate governance, social values and outreach are all keys to our success.
The published PDF document can be accessed by visiting: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/ParticipantsAndStakeholders/search_participant.html?detail=ACT+Global+Sports
For those without Adobe Reader, the following is a text draft of the document:
United Nations Global Compact
Communication on Progress
23 March 2006 through 29 February 2008
TO OUR VALUABLE STAKEHOLDERS,
ACT Global Sports is pleased to participate in the United Nations Global Compact with our best efforts. We clearly understand the importance of United Nations Global Compact principles and strive to take actions according to them. We will continue to support United Nations Global Compact because we see its principles as fundamental guidelines for our corporate values and long-term growth plans.
Our company and our employees are committed to socially responsible behavior as stewards of our environment and our communities. As a multinational organization, we constantly support the diversity and integration of people from different cultures and beliefs. We strive to create an atmosphere of tolerance and cooperation between our employees, suppliers and clients. We certainly believe in providing equal opportunities to women and minorities, emphasizing skills and abilities over any other factor.
We have seen success and positive results from the implementation of United Nations Global Compact and we look forward to continue to implement new strategies that guide us in being the model corporate citizen in our synthetic turf industry.
Best regards,
John Baize
Managing Director
____________________________________________________________________
Human Rights
Principles 1 and 2
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
Actions and Achievements
ACT Global Sports understands the importance of guaranteeing the accomplishment of human rights. International human rights are incorporated into our national laws. Our employees are trained in proper code of business conduct. This goes beyond compliance with laws and regulations in the markets we operate to make sure we conduct business in an ethical way. In addition to implementing procedures that comply with international standards, we actively seek to increase awareness of the importance of equal rights.
This focus on awareness and proper business conduct extends to our suppliers and market partners. We do not limit to make a sale, but strive to understand our clients’ business, their principles and philosophy, how do they conduct in their region, and if they are making a positive impact on society.
Labor Standards
Principle 3
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
Actions and Achievements
ACT Global Sports is a company that considers its employees as its most important asset. Our employees are important stakeholders that have a large influence on the competitiveness and quality of our products and services. We concentrate our efforts in creating an environment that will stimulate individuals to achieve their highest potential.
ACT Global Sports recognizes and support the implementation of the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Our country’s laws also clearly grant these freedoms and rights. We protect the right of negotiation between our management and a labor union on wages, hours, and working conditions.
Any employee is entitled to raise a workplace complaint without being victimized or prejudiced for making that complaint. Any and all complaints are impartially investigated while respecting the rights of our employees.
Our employees can associate freely, in good faith, without interference from our management, because we strive to provide best possible working and development conditions. There is no discrimination on grounds of membership in a labor union.
Principle 4
Businesses should uphold the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor
Actions and Achievements
We respect in full our employees’ rights and support their needs; that is why we make sure we provide satisfactory wages and working conditions. Our employees’ are trained to report any cases or concern regarding forced or compulsory labor. The company will not tolerate nor accept the exploitation of labor.
We also recognize the labor standards and conditions in every country we operate. We require the same compliance with our vendors and partners. We will terminate relationships with any company that violates, in any manner, standards related to forced and compulsory labor.
To avoid any kind of abuse, we provide to our employees with clear guidelines regarding the amount of working hours they have to dedicate, the remuneration and compensation to reward their hard work, and a clear assignment of duties.
Principle 5
Businesses should uphold the effective abolition of child labor
Actions and Achievements
ACT Global Sports believes that children’s safety and health should be guaranteed and that every institution and company should get involved, as a society member, to support this. We support and contribute to World Vision, a humanitarian organization that supports children worldwide with food, education, medicine and other aid.
ACT Global Sports understands that our laws clearly prohibit child labor, and we do not support any type of child labor. We do not accept or hire underage personnel in any of our offices around the world. Our management has adopted procedure for recruitment in accordance to international child labor and rights laws.
We will not hesitate to sanction any violation on this matter.
Principle 6
Businesses should eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
Actions and Achievements
As a global company, we can certainly relate to diverse and multicultural workplace; and we put effort on keeping it that way and protecting it. We value diversity and promote equal opportunities in recruitment and employment.
We understand how diversity has helped us to expand our business worldwide. We do not limit our initiative to create a tolerant atmosphere just to within our own offices. We also consider if our associates and customers apply policies and criteria that provide equal opportunity to minorities, women and other cultures.
To show our support of women in the role of our global society, we support and donate to CARE, a humanitarian organization that fights global poverty in part by empowering women through providing economic opportunities.
Environment
Principle 7
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Actions and Achievements
ACT Global Sports also recognizes that society and the environment are important stakeholders in the artificial turf industry and our business. We pride ourselves on being committed to environmentally friendly products and manufacturing. This pride is evidenced by our carrying the ISO 14001 environmental certification.
We improve our environmental performance continually by implementing a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets. We screen materials used in our grass fibers and have conducted environmental research within our artificial turf industry.
We encourage to all our employees to implement the best practices in energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction, renewable resources, and the use of cleaner production. We urge our customers to also perform research on environmental issues. We understand that environmental protection is of increasing importance and we are continually researching methods to become better stewards of our environment.
Principle 8
Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Actions taken & Achievements
ACT Global Sports is looking to improve its policies related to ecology and safe environment. Our team is looking forward to find new initiatives to create awareness in our society about the importance of acting responsibly on environmental matters. We support and contribute to Conservation International. This organization aims to protect the environment by promoting responsible human choices.
We are concerned about the environment and are committed to increasing research and awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility within our synthetic turf industry. We strive to implement environmental friendly technologies in our products and offices.
Principle 9
Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Actions and Achievements
Our business promotes efficient energy technologies. Climate change is a real threat, and a global issue. Key to mitigation is the reduction of CO2 emissions worldwide, and businesses have a crucial role in delivering global carbon reductions whilst operating in a sustainable and profitable way.
We are committed to investigating methods in our business, low-carbon technologies to reduce carbon emissions. As new methods and business practices are identified, they will be implemented as part of our short and long term initiative towards environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery
Actions and Achievements
ACT Global Sports approach to corruption is the same as with other corporate ethical decisions – it is not enough to simply comply with laws. We must establish moral practices that go beyond the letter of our national laws. Our mission statement is, “Our focus is to enhance our market value through integrity, product value and customer satisfaction.” We mention integrity first as it is core to our approach within the synthetic turf industry.
In order to build long-term partnerships in the markets we serve, we must have the highest level of integrity. This can only be obtained by operating in a corrupt-free business environment so that all companies can compete on a level-ground. Our company policies strictly limit the amount of gifts that can be given or received by an employee. Any policy or ethical violation that is detected by an employee must be immediately reported to upper management without fear of reprisals.
We are pleased that by communicating our attitude towards corruption including extortion and bribery, it also helps to create awareness in our industry so that perhaps others will also combat extortion and bribery.
