Connecticut Green Business Awards
BIC Corp.
1 Bic Drive
Shelton 06484-6299
203-783-2000
bicworld.com
Chief executive: Mario Guevara
No. employees: 8,312 worldwide (@ 260 in Shelton)
In February 2008, BIC, a leading international distributor of stationery products, lighters and shavers in more than 160 countries around the world, relocated its administrative offices from Milford to a specially renovated office building in Shelton. The new headquarters houses BIC’s U.S. consumer products business, North American operations and global category and business management operations.
The company made a commitment to renovate the office space in accordance with LEED certification standards and received final certification for Commercial Interiors in May 2009.The green renovation of BIC’s new home was just one initiative in the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainable development.“Throughout its history, BIC has always been committed to responsible business practices,” says BIC spokesperson Linda Kwong. “BIC’s sustainable development program is a consolidation of multiple global initiatives intended to continuously improve the social and environmental quality of our business activities. Our sustainability efforts focus on improving not only the design, manufacture and distribution of our products, but also enhancing the sustainability of our operations in each community where we do business.”The Shelton headquarters project was led by Barry Johnson, vice president of operations for BIC Consumer Products USA.The architect for the building renovation at One BIC Way in Shelton was Fletcher Thompson, also located in Shelton. Newfield Construction in Hartford was the contractor. The company also worked with Tambient, a West Haven lighting designer and manufacturer.BIC instituted numerous environmental initiatives as part of LEED certification, including: Tambien lighting, energy-efficient lighting, occupancy and zoned lighting controls, alternative transportation, preferred carpool parking, energy-efficient air conditioning and ventilation systems, reused office furniture, recycled and environmentally preferred materials, recycling of demolition wastes, water conservation, and use of regionally manufactured materials.Challenges during renovation included the careful coordination required in all aspects of the LEED certification process with all contractors.Explains Kwong, “It can also be a challenge to ensure that all construction waste is appropriately sorted and handled to facilitate maximum material recycling. However, any challenges are well worth the effort. Sustainable development is a shared responsibility and directs all of us to take action — as businesses and as individuals — to protect the environment.“BIC’s Shelton headquarters is a source of pride for our employees, and the LEEDcertification is proudly displayed in our lobby to share with visitors,” Kwong adds.
