Continuing an 18-year tradition, BREATHE CALIFORNIA recently presented its prestigious Clean Air Awards to 12 businesses, organizations and individuals, including Santa Clara-based Intel Corporation. The awards, which were presented before hundreds of local air quality advocates at the agency’s annual Clean Air Luncheon, honor those who are leading the fight against climate change and helping to make the Bay Area a “green model” for the rest of the country.
“As we learn more about the environmental health risks posed by climate change, it has become absolutely clear that strong and immediate action is needed,” said Dr. Tom Dailey, who sat on BREATHE CALIFORNIA’s 2008 Green Ribbon Panel of Judges. “We are proud to honor those in our community who have shown the foresight and conviction to address this global challenge head on.”
Intel received an award in the Greenhouse Gas category for its multi-faceted climate change initiatives. Intel currently purchases more than 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy certificates per year, making the company the largest corporate purchaser of green power in the U.S. Since 2002, the corporation has decreased its energy consumption by four percent per year, enough to power 50,000 U.S. homes. Intel has also reduced its normalized global warming emissions to 20 percent below its 2004 levels and plans to reduce its total carbon footprint by 20 percent over the next five years.
Furthermore, Intel has applied its technology innovation to create less energy-consuming PCs and servers while also transitioning to a lead and halogen free manufacturing process.
Air pollution and global warming present a significant danger to the environment and to public health. Exposure to high levels of air pollution has been linked to the onset of asthma, the development of lung cancer and premature death. Short-term exposure can cause shortness of breath, trigger an asthma attack or cause serious complications in people with heart disease or diabetes. In addition, global warming can create a prime environment for health risks such as greater air pollution, extreme weather conditions (such as floods, droughts, heat waves and natural disasters) and the spread of infectious diseases.
The 2008 Clean Air Awards Luncheon was sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Kaiser Permanente, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Port of Oakland and numerous other supporters.
Celebrating its 100th year in the Bay Area, BREATHE CALIFORNIA is dedicated to fighting lung disease and advocating for clean air. As one of California’s oldest voluntary health organizations, BREATHE CALIFORNIA addresses the most critical lung health threats through prevention, education, patient support, research and advocacy. For more information about BREATHE CALIFORNIA, the Clean Air Awards or the award recipients, visit www.cleanairawards.org or call (408) 998-5865.
