BMW leading the way.......

BMW Manufacturing Co. wants to lead the way toward green industry in the state. The automaker has received a second wildlife habitat certification, introduced energy-saving lighting at the plant, is conducting a wind power study and is upgrading its methane landfill gas project. It was recognized Monday with a Wildlife and Industry Together certification from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation for its research facility at Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research. The certification results from the Information Technology Research Center's wildlife viewing area, habitat improvement, public nature trails, bird houses and feeders and a garden of native plants behind the building. BMW received its first certification in 1998 for a butterfly garden at the Greer plant. Bobby Hitt, BMW's manager of public affairs, said the company hopes the facility will become "a model for sustainable methods of construction and corporate land development." Sara Green, the federation's education director, said the W.A.I.T. program began 12 years ago as an extension of the Backyard Habitat program. Eighteen sites in the state have received W.A.I.T. certification and BMW is one of the few to have multiple certifications. Among the animals living on the 250-acre wetland site are ground and tree birds, birds of prey, raccoons, squirrels, white-tail deer, rabbit and beaver. "They seem to be making themselves very much at home," Hitt said. Also at ICAR, the city of Greenville and Clemson have begun a stream restoration project throughout the campus, with more bird houses, outdoor gardens and seating areas, public walking trails and additional native plantings. Hitt said data has been collected on BMW's wind study and analysis of the results is now beginning. Although "it's too early to tell the viability of the project," he said," the initiative is part of BMW's ongoing commitment to sustainability."