UNLV School of Architecture Welcomed
Paul Murray Friday, October 7, 2005 11-12 am

The Power of One : embracing and communicating the environmental ethic
Available on VHS & DVD: Arch Media NA2542.36 .P68 2005 (b)

As Herman Miller's Environmental Affairs Manager, Paul Murray guides the company's day-to-day "green" initiatives. This gives him a unique perspective on the many and varied environmental activities underway on any given day, the dollar value of these actions, and the vital role each individual Herman Miller employee plays. It also provides the basis for "The Power of One," Paul's presentation articulating how the actions of even one person can have a profound impact on raising a company's --and even an industry's -- environmental awareness.

For additional information:
Biography (10.1.2005)taken from:http://www.p3colorado.org/events/eventShowDetail.jsp?inx=38
(last accessed 11/05)

Paul Murray
Environmental Affairs Manager , Herman Miller
Paul grew up in Selby, a small farming community in north central South Dakota. He attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry; he holds a Master's in management from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a LEED accredited professional.

Initially credentialed as a high school teacher, Paul taught math and chemistry, and served as a high school coach, before leaving his teaching career to work as a research chemist with PPG Industries and Boise Cascade Corporation.

Based on his experience developing wood coatings and finishes, Paul joined Herman Miller in 1988 as a production manager responsible for wood finishing operations. Long interested in environmental work, Paul felt a connection to the company's history of environmental stewardship. However, it was not until he sought an air quality permit for a wood finishing area that Paul discovered a growing need within Herman Miller to identify and coordinate numerous “green” initiatives underway.

Paul and others soon established EQAT, the Environmental Quality Action Team, and through the group's ongoing efforts Herman Miller has earned several environmental awards, including a Presidential citation, as well as national recognition as an environmentally progressive company. Paul was named Environmental Affairs manager in 1992. In 2004, Organic Style Magazine listed Paul on the Organic Style Environmental Power List of the top 50 heroes making our planet a better place. In addition to his responsibilities with Herman Miller, Paul participates in several work groups for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; holds memberships with both the Air and Waste Management Association and the National Association of Environmental Managers; and serves on the Board of Directors for both the University of Michigan's Corporate Environmental Management Program and the International Design Center for the Environment. Additionally, he sits on the boards of several non-profit environmental organizations. Paul recently launched the Sustainable Research Group (SRG), a small environmental consulting service created to help other companies implement green initiatives similar to Herman Miller's.

Paul, his wife Rhonda, son Matthew, and daughter Renee reside in Hudsonville, Michigan.