What is Responsible Care?
Responsible Care is an initiative developed by the chemical industry to improve performance in environmental protection, health and safety. The Responsible Care program had its beginnings in 1985, in Canada, and the initiative now extends to more than 47 countries. Communication of Responsible Care principles and practices helps our industry to provide a better understanding of the value our products bring to society, the risks associated with these products, and the ways in which we reduce these risks to acceptable levels.

At NOVA Chemicals, we believe that Responsible Care makes good business sense, and we have been a Responsible Care company since the program's inception. We strive to operate with zero incidents and work to ensure our products are safely manufactured, safe to use and effectively managed throughout their lifecycles.

NOVA Chemicals' Responsible Care Vision
"We will be a leader in the chemical industry worldwide, in terms of our performance and commitment to Responsible Care. Our ultimate goal is to operate our businesses without harm to people, property and the environment."

Worker Safety and Health
NOVA Chemicals operates on the premise that all work-related illnesses and injuries can be prevented. Our safety and health programs are designed to protect employees and contractors from both immediate on-the-job and long-term health risks.

Product Stewardship
NOVA Chemicals fosters responsible management of our products throughout their lifecycles by working closely with our customers, suppliers and carriers. Through our product stewardship program, we ensure compliance with product regulations and advise customers on the safe handling of our products. We also work with major chemical industry trade associations to manage issues confronting our industry.

A Corporate Neighbor of Choice
As a chemical manufacturer, it is imperative that we share information about our facilities, operations and products. NOVA Chemicals makes concerted efforts to understand and respond to the concerns of local communities and residents. Our efforts include: community forums and open houses, participation in local government activities, and presentations to schools and community groups. The measures we take to protect workers, neighbors and the environment are all part of our efforts to be a "neighbor of choice."

Hazardous Waste Disposal
Through efficient manufacturing practices and reuse and recycling initiatives, NOVA Chemicals strives to limit the amount of waste requiring disposal. Between 1999 and 2005, our goal is to reduce the quantity of hazardous waste disposed by 50% per unit of product manufactured. NOVA Chemicals achieved a 43% reduction per unit of product manufactured over the last four years.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Emissions
Between 1999 and 2005, NOVA Chemicals' goal is to reduce VOC emissions by 25% per unit of product manufactured. As a result of various VOC reduction initiatives, our emissions per unit of product manufactured were approximately 10% lower in 2003 compared to 1999.

Additional Information
NOVA Chemicals publishes a Responsible Care annual report that details all of our Responsible Care performance measures. You can access our most current report at www.novachemicals.com, or call (412) 490-4000 to request a copy.