Sole Technology, parent company of etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo and Altamont apparel, has set itself the goal of becoming a carbon neutral company by the year 2020.

The company has also done an audit of its carbon footprint over the past seven years, focusing predominantly on its carbon emissions, waste and consumption, and water usage.

Etnies has also been hard at work - installing 616 solar panels, converting to water-based cement manufacturing, corporate wide-recycling efforts and creating a seasonal sustainable footwear and apparel collection, the etnies SEED Project.

“We are confident that the future looks bright for eco-conscious corporations, and we strive to be a leader in the field every day,” said the company’s environmental affairs manager, Roian Atwood. “By sharing our findings and making a conscious effort to use the results to alter our business practices and impact on the environment, we hope to play a key role in changing today’s corporate culture for a stronger tomorrow.”
 
The Sole Technology eco-audit found that in 2007, the company generated 40,000 tons of CO2, equivalent to volume of 2.5 billion shoe boxes 58 percent of which came from footwear manufacturing and the emissions released in the development process through the use of coal-burning sources and electricity. Another 18 percent of its carbon emissions are attributed to the making of the brand’s cardboard boxes, and 8 percent is related to logistics and shipping. 
 
In terms of waste and consumption, Sole Technology found that of the 72,000 pounds of internal trash it consumed, the company recycled 57 percent, exceeding the country’s national average of 30 percent, and California’s average of 50 percent.

By 2010, Sole Technology’s goal is to recycle 70 percent of their waste with assistance from the Blue Bin Brigade, an internal committee of department executives whose goal it is to increase awareness and find environmentally-friendly means of conducting business.

“Given the harsh abuse on a skateboarder’s shoes, our industry is constantly challenged with the issue of consumption, which is why we strive to make the most durable, quality products in the market,” said Senizergues. “Building long lasting products that are sturdy and have a longer life with consumers is an important element to consider in the eco discussions related to manufacturing and consumption.” 
 
The eco-audit determined that 95 percent of Sole Technology’s water usage is attributed to the company’s apparel development, an industry-wide concern among clothing manufacturers that is a leading cause of damage to the environment.

By taking immediate actions on business offices such as installing waterless urinals that save 325,000 gallons of water annually and dual flush toilets, the company is already affecting its internal water usage as it continues to research innovative technologies that will also benefit the manufacturing process.

For more information check out www.soletechnology.com