The sludge from its plant is a product of electroplating wastewater treatment processes. It contains high levels of calcium but extremely low levels of hazardous materials. The calcium is what gives IBM's sludge its value. It is a necessary ingredient in cement production, making it ideal for reuse in a cement kiln.
Concerned government agencies agreed to some flexibility in their regulations and IBM agreed to protect human health and the environment. As a result, the company is recycling 300 tons of sludge per year. The use of this recycled material saves raw materials as well as landfill space and the cost to IBM of using that space.
Big Blue took the initiative and found both a more efficient and environmentally sound way of doing business.
Environmental News Service
Founded 30 years ago in Bozeman, Montana, PERC—the Property and Environment Research Center—is the nation’s oldest and largest institute dedicated to improving environmental quality through property rights and markets.
PERC’s publications, each designed to resonate with specific groups, move ideas generated at PERC to broader audiences.
Research is at the heart of PERC's work, with a focus on the question: What is the link between economic growth and environmental quality?
The goal of PERC’s programs is to fully realize the vision of establishing “PERC University,” where scholars, students, policy makers, and others convene to expand the applications of free market environmentalism.
PERC's fellowships share a common goal of exposing new scholars, students, journalists, and policy makers to free market environmentalism, as well as enable scholars already familiar with FME to explore new applications.
PERC continues to publish and present a broad range of research and discussion through podcasts, videos, and other multimedia channels.