Eaton places the highest priority on the health and safety of our people and on environmental and energy conservation programs that benefit the communities in which we live and work.

This commitment to Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) excellence goes far beyond compliance with existing regulations. We wish to become recognized as an industry leader in creating safe workplaces and conserving world resources.

We're focused on building sustainable operations and products by standardizing our global EHS programs and practices.

We've set tough performance goals for ourselves, like reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent (adjusted for production) by 2012.

We're increasing the "transparency" of our efforts by sharing critical EHS data and collaborating with government agencies around the world to advance their programs and goals.

We're making EHS an integral part of our culture — and one more way that we create value for our customers and shareholders.

Raising the bar for EHS performance

Eaton has been a dedicated EHS proponent for years. In fact, we were among the first diversified industrial companies to pursue global ISO 14001 certification — a rigorous standard for managing and improving environmental performance. Today, virtually all of Eaton's facilities worldwide have earned this designation and many have also achieved OHSAS 18001 certification for workplace health and safety.

To build on these successes, we launched a new Global Management System of Environment, Safety, Security and Health in August 2005. The global program — known as MESH — integrates all of Eaton's EHS programs under one management system that eliminates duplication and creates a common set of standards. In 2007, MESH will become an integral part of the Eaton Business System and a critical measure of each facility's business performance.

Eaton also participates in a number of volunteer government partnership programs, including EPA's Performance Track, OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program, and Mexico's Industria Limpia program. In 2006, Eaton joined the Green Suppliers Network, a public-private partnership with the EPA and U.S. Department of Commerce, through which we help small and medium-sized suppliers who serve our businesses to develop "lean and clean" manufacturing processes.

2007 Sustainability Report
Learn about Eaton's Environment, Health and Safety programs.
View Report

Transforming green products into greater profits
Being environmentally responsible isn't just "good business." We're proving that it’s good for business, too, by designing products that answer our customers' crucial need to conserve energy and resources. These innovations include:

• Eaton's Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) powertrain and Hydraulic Launch (HLATM) System boost fuel economy and dramatically reduce particulate emissions in trucks and buses.
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• Our industry-leading electrical power control systems and production equipment help customers to reduce power consumption up to 50 percent.
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• Eaton high-pressure hydraulic systems reduce the weight of commercial and military aircraft, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
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• Through a partnership with IdleAire Technologies, Eaton provides electrification systems that enable truck drivers to turn off their engines at overnight stops, eliminating emissions.
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• Eaton valve-actuation technology and superchargers enable auto manufacturers to deliver the horsepower consumers crave with the fuel efficiency they desire.
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By combining performance and environmental responsibility, Eaton aims to make a bigger impact on the marketplace, while leaving a smaller footprint on the world.