As was included in the December 22 email and video from Tracy Crandall, RPM is embarking on a sustainability initiative called Building a Better World. You will hear more about our Building a Better World goals and objectives over the coming months and years; however, in the meantime, we asked Tracy to provide some background information regarding Building a Better World as we get started with this exciting new initiative.

What is Building a Better World?  Building a Better World is the name of RPM’s sustainability/environmental, social and governance initiative and program. Building a Better World is how RPM will continue to make a difference to our many stakeholders, but now with more emphasis and focus.

What will be part of the Building a Better World initiative?  Sustainability concepts touch many aspects of how we do business.  We will be aligning our goals and objectives to 5 main pillars:  Efficient Operations, Sustainable Products, Strong Communities, Engaged People and Effective Governance.  For example, efficient operations will address items such as how we can be more efficient in how we operate so as to generate less landfill waste and use less energy.  We will provide awareness materials and goals regarding each of the pillars over the coming weeks and months.

Who is leading the Building a Better World initiative?  Frank Sullivan has asked me to lead the Building a Better World initiative from the corporate level. Global cross-group and functional committees have been formed to facilitate alignment and communication regarding sustainability-related goals, targets, objectives and projects.  For the time being, the Committees are focused on the Engaged People, Sustainable Products and Efficient Operations pillars.  Each of your groups has one or more representatives on each Committee. 

I received an email/letter regarding an employee survey. Is this part of Building a Better World?  Yes!  The employee survey is one of our first global Building a Better World projects.  We are gathering responses to the survey now with the intent to review the responses in February.  We expect to provide feedback and take action regarding results in the March/April time frame.  Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

If I have a sustainability-related idea or information about a project at my company, what should I do?  Please contact me at sustainability@rpminc.com.  I appreciate your thoughts, feedback and information.  

Together, we build better. 

Thanks, 

Tracy Crandall

Vice President - Compliance, Associate

General Counsel & Assistant Secretary