Syracuse Research Corporation has placed a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices. It will participate in the 2008 JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge at Syracuse at Onondaga Lake Park on June 24..

'Greener Tomorrow' initiative fits well
with Syracuse Research Corporation

SYRACUSE, June 18, 2008 — When the most participants since 2001 — more than 6,700 — gather June 24 for the 26th running of JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge at Syracuse, one of the companies that will fit into the scene on the shores of Lake Onondaga will be Syracuse Research Corporation.

It has been that way for more than a decade, and this year, SRC's fit with the world's largest corporate running/walking series is stronger than ever.

One reason is that in 2008, the Corporate Challenge launched its “Teaming Up for a Greener Tomorrow” initiative, whose goal is to reduce the event's impact on the environment by using eco-friendly practices. For example, registration in Syracuse was exclusively online, saving paper. Most of the materials used by race organizers on-site are recyclable. And, shuttle transportation to Onondaga Lake Park is being offered.

That fits SRC and its wholly owned subsidiary, SRCTec, Inc., to a tee. In fact, the environmental focus is a welcome bonus to which the company and its employees can strongly relate, says Lisa Mondello, Corporate Communications Manager at SRC.

An independent, not-for-profit research and development organization, SRC provides solutions to programs of national significance — from defense to the environment — through the application of science, technology, and information. At SRC, explains Mondello, eco-friendly policies and practices are so ingrained in the culture that a group of engineers and scientists formed a voluntary committee to come up with ways to help the environment. Today at SRC, water filters have been installed to reduce the need for employees to buy plastic water bottles, washable cups are used in the cafeteria to reduce paper use, each employee has a recycling bin at their office or desk, and other green practices are encouraged.

In addition to such “little” things, SRC has one of the biggest testaments to greening in the Syracuse area. Its 121,000 square foot facility at 7502 Round Pound Road is expected to shortly be the first building of its size in Central New York to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for new construction certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The eco-friendly headquarters has the capability to self-sustain for up to 24-hours; utilizes advanced lighting technology and energy efficient heating and cooling systems; and much more.

“Any event that promotes corporate wellness and camaraderie is one that we want to support,” said Mondello, “and when you add the environmental focus this year, that's terrific. It all fits together so that the Corporate Challenge has it all for us. We're very happy to be involved.

“I think the environmental focus at SRC just stems from the type of people who work here,” added Mondello. “ Central New York is a great place to raise a family and we're all concerned about the environment.”

On Tuesday, SRC, named one of New York 's best companies at which to work in 2007, will be at the Corporate Challenge with a team of almost 100 that will be wearing employee-designed T-shirts. After participating in the 3.5-mile run/walk, they'll enjoy the social component of the event with a company tent featuring catered food.

And, this year, they will also enjoy the bonus of being part of an event that is showcasing a cause near to their hearts — “Teaming Up for a Greener Tomorrow.”

It is a great fit.