Southface, the Southeast’s nonprofit leader in promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities, presented its 2015 Argon Award for leadership in sustainability to Cox Enterprises for its Cox Conserves sustainability program. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed presented the award at the Southface Visionary Dinner.

“As the 2014 Argon Award honoree, I am pleased to be able to present this year’s award,” Mayor Reed said. “Cox has certainly led by example when it comes to demonstrating a commitment to the environment – so much so that its commitment to sustainability has its own brand – Cox Conserves.”

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company with 50,000 employees across the nation. Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water.

Cox has set aggressive sustainability goals, such as sending zero waste to landfill by 2024 and being carbon and water neutral by 2044. Linking the company’s results in these efforts with employee engagement and satisfaction is another critical component often lacking in corporate sustainability programs. The Cox Conserves Heroes program brings local efforts to the community-at-large by honoring environmental volunteers and making donations to their nonprofits of choice. The program encourages a broader conversation about conservation, natural resources and outdoor spaces.

The award was accepted by Cox Enterprises' Senior Vice President of Finance Lacey Lewis, who oversees the company's Cox Conserves sustainability program. "Cox is honored to receive Southface's Argon Award," said Lewis. "We have a common belief that it is essential to act today to ensure a sustainable tomorrow. Through Cox Conserves, we are reducing our impact on the environment and encouraging our employees, partners, suppliers and customers to engage in eco-friendly behavior."

The Argon Award is presented annually by Southface to recognize leadership in advancing sustainability. Each Argon Award winner is selected by a knowledgeable panel of sustainability experts whose goal is to identify individuals and organizations who seek innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The award itself is named for the gas “argon” which is the non-toxic, non-reactive, clear and odorless gas that fills the space between the glass panes in high-performance windows.