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 Is there a senior manager specifically designated with environmental responsibilities and accountability?
Yes, the executive VP of Human Resources is our senior environmental manager. He reports directly to the CEO.
Does Verizon audit its environmental compliance?
Verizon uses several approaches to audit its compliance with environmental laws and regulations and corporate policy through both internal and external audits of its operations. Every few years Verizon hires an outside firm to conduct an audit of its overall environmental management system. Corrective action is taken to address any deficiencies found using these tools.
How do we know that Verizon supervisors and employees are ensuring compliance with regulations and Verizon Policy and Practice?
Employees are required to have a general understanding of their environmental responsibilities. They are made aware of corporate environmental requirements through Environmental Awareness Training, guidance documents and periodic communications. Employee environmental responsibilities are outlined in our "Code of Business Conduct."
How do we know that Verizon's environmental organization is safeguarding environmental matters in compliance with regulations and Verizon Policy and Practice?
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The environmental organization reports three times each year to the Management Audit Committee of the Verizon Board of Directors. |
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Annually, the Policy Committee of the Board of Directors receives a status report. |
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Quarterly, the environmental organization provides a report and briefs the Corporate Compliance Council on such matters as:
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Clean-up activities |
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Emerging Policy and Legislative Issues |
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EPA Regulatory Action |
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Environmental Initiatives |
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Statistics on Incidents, Complaints, Citations and Inspections |
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The environmental organization regularly reviews federal and state legislative and regulatory changes for applicability to Verizon operations, and works with impacted departments to develop compliance strategies. |
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Periodic third-party consultant audits are conducted to ensure compliance, efficiency and effectiveness of our program. Between 1995 and 2006, four third-party audits of our environmental program were conducted. |
Does Verizon offer any tools to consumers to help reduce its impact on the environment?
Verizon offers a variety of services such as Internet access, DSL and teleconferencing that our customers can use to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among groups and individuals that are not and need not be in the same location.
Does Verizon look for new and innovative ways to reduce its impact on the environment?
There are many ways we work to protect the environment. Employee training and participation in professional trade associations enable the ongoing search for best-in-class approaches such as:
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Clean-burning fuel cells |
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Micro turbines |
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Hybrid vehicles |
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Hypalon roofing |
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Commuter Services Program |
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Network upgrades |
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Recycling of office paper and used telecommunications equipment |
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Procurement of recycled products |
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Paper-less billing |
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Telecommunication services |
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