Since embarking on our GreenQuest in 2008, we've found new ways to significantly reduce our environmental footprint, recycle or reuse materials and conserve energy. Our quest to be an environmentally conscious company is a founding vision that continues to this day. We invite you to check back often to learn about new initiatives and green projects that we’re implementing in order to fulfill our promise.

GreenTeams

Each of our key sites established groups of employee volunteers called GreenTeams. These teams work together to brainstorm eco-initiatives and identify specific green projects that will not only have a positive impact on the environment but on our business as a whole. The scope of these projects was only limited by the creativity of our employees. Some embarked on projects to recycle batteries, ink and toner cartridges, and even sneakers, often donating proceeds to local charities. At one site, 75 medical specimen processing centrifuges (in good working order, but no longer useful to us) were donated to Project C.U.R.E., which delivers medical equipment and supplies to developing countries. Others tackled projects that improved the efficiency of our facilities, such as replacing inefficient light bulbs and eliminating wasteful water consumption. Whether the initiatives are big or small, our GreenTeams continue to think of new ways to make Earth a better place for all of us to live.

Facility Conservation

One of the most significant ways that we can positively impact the environment is by rethinking how we work. In 2008, Quest Diagnostics embarked on a system wide conservation effort to reduce energy and water consumption. At the same time, we took steps to cut down on the amount of waste generated by our facilities.

From 2007 to 2008, our facilities reduced:

• electricity consumption by 4%
• water consumption by 7%
• garbage generation by 17%
• biohazardous waste generation by 14%

Enterprise Wide Efforts

One enterprise wide effort was to convert paper pay stubs to an electronic self-serve format, forever eliminating the consumption of hundreds of pounds of printing paper and ink, and the resources needed to transport that mail across the country.

Another project being widely replicated is the introduction of reusable waste containers. This eliminates the needless manufacturing and disposal of tens of thousands of pounds of plastic materials. Even the simple idea of replacing manual paper towel dispensers in our bathrooms with electronic models yielded significant savings and reduced waste by 4400 lbs. of paper a year. That's equivalent to 37 trees not being harvested.

Ride Share Program

In order to improve our environmental footprint, we’re not only looking at how we work, but how we commute to work. In 2009, we launched an interactive application to our GreenQuest employee website. This new feature allows employees of Quest Diagnostics to connect with other employees in their community and coordinate ride-share opportunities. By simply sharing a ride with one other person our employees can save up to 50% in car maintenance, repair, tolls and parking costs. What’s more, for every gallon of gas they save, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide are prevented from reaching the atmosphere.