Oct. 12--Indianapolis chemical maker Brulin and Co. likes to think it is helping its home city breathe easier.

Salespersons, who drive Nissan Altimas, must regularly get their assigned vehicle tuned up. Trucks parking at loading docks of the Near Northside facility aren't allowed to idle. Even a newly completed $2 million expansion project included a paint job with less harmful vapors.

"I think people have to become more energy efficient," said George Brodnicki, president of the company, whose origin dates to 1935. "You take care of your pennies and your dollars take care of themselves." And as for what it makes, he added: "We don't even formulate products without looking at the green certifications."

Brulin is one of about 165 companies in Central Indiana that pledged to become less polluting in the two years since Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership launched. Of those, 85 joined since October 2008.

"There's always room for more. We'll take more," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, at a news conference last week in the lobby of Emmis Communications, another CICAP member.

The total pollution reduction and costs savings is unclear.

But the number of Knozone Air Quality Action Days in Indianapolis dropped from seven in 2008 to three in 2009; during Knozone Air Quality Action Days, people are warned that the day's air quality is expected to be unhealthy for some individuals and to encourage walking to lunch rather than driving, for example.

"All of that adds up," said Karen Haley, the director of the mayor's office of sustainability.

Businesses that want to sign up to become members should log on to www.indycicap.org. Those businesses first have to commit to actions that include installing "idle free zone" signs in loading docks, retrofitting diesel vehicles with diesel oxidation catalysts, and encouraging employees to carpool, bike or take public transportation to work.

Hospitals are good examples of how companies can make wholesale changes to impact the bottom line.

Clarian Health saved more than $200,000 just by upgrading the electric system throughout their Downtown facilities. St. Francis Hospital's food and nutrition department purchased 59-cent reusable mugs for employees and volunteers to use on their visits to cafeterias to save on the cost of foam cups.

Businesses that join the CICAP have to commit to a specific level of participation based on actions they agree to implement.

Rolls-Royce Indianapolis, which employs 4,000, received credit by partnering with the Central Indiana Commuter Services -- giving an alternative to employees who are looking to save fuel costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Veolia Water Indianapolis helped the Department of Waterworks purchase an electric vehicle used in daily operations around the general office -- it's capable of running 25 mph and the charge lasts about 40 miles. This eliminates vehicle idling during routine deliveries and significantly cuts emissions, spokesman Paul Whitmore said.

Even Carmel insurer Conseco has much to gain from belonging.

Conseco regularly services its vehicle fleet, and refuels vehicles at the end of the day during summer months.

Conseco encourages employee carpooling and ride-sharing, and offers flexible daily work scheduling options -- including telework -- to reduce commuting.

And "to reduce the use of coal-generated electricity, heating and cooling in our buildings are controlled through an automated system, and our buildings incorporate energy-saving design features, such as using natural light to greatest advantage," said Jim Rosensteele, company spokesman.

In addition, Conseco's "Go Green!" enterprisewide environmental program makes it easy for employees to recycle paper, aluminum and plastic at work and reduce the use of materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle.

The program is monitored by a team of employee volunteers from across the enterprise.

-----

To see more of The Indianapolis Star, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.IndyStar.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Indianapolis Star

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

CNO, RYCEY, RR, VE, VIE, V,

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.