NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) Materials and Energy Recovery Division (MER) recently honored retired Covanta Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, John Klett with the Medal of Achievement Award. John has over 40 years of hands-on experience in power-plant operation, including 30 years in the energy-from-waste (EfW) industry. He becomes just the 15th recipient of the award which was established in 1982 and recognizes distinguished and continued contributions over a substantial period of time in the advancement of solid waste processing technology.
"I have worked with John throughout my career and cannot think of a more eminently worthy candidate for this award," said Ted Hoefler, Covanta senior vice president of operations and MER executive committee member. "John gave so much to Covanta and the industry and we would not be where we are today without his vision and leadership."
John Klett joined Covanta in 1986 as Vice President of Operations and was later promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. His operational expertise helped grow the company into a world leader in energy-from-waste, overseeing the commissioning of more than 20 EfW facilities following construction. John provided essential leadership during record years of production and company growth and after a series of acquisitions, including the 2004 acquisition of the American Ref-Fuel Company, he ultimately led the operations of 45 EfW facilities which annually processed 20 million tons of waste into renewable energy for one million homes.
In 2011, John assumed the role of Chief Technology Officer and focused on developing and commercializing new energy-from-waste technologies. He successfully managed the development of the Covanta's CLEERGAS® gasification process, which achieves higher energy generation with lower emissions, in addition to Covanta's patented Low NOx combustion technology, which significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions while also improving boiler performance.
John is a Bronx, New York native and earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Mercy College after a four-year tour of duty in the United States Navy. He started in the power business in 1965 and moved into the energy-from-waste industry in 1977. Late last year, Covanta announced his retirement which became effective on December 31, 2013.
About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
About Covanta
Covanta is a world leader in providing sustainable waste and energy solutions. The Company's 45 Energy-from-Waste facilities provide communities and businesses around the world with environmentally sound solid waste disposal by using waste to generate clean, renewable energy. Annually, Covanta's modern Energy-from-Waste facilities safely and securely convert approximately 20 million tons of waste into clean, renewable electricity to power one million homes and recycle over 440,000 tons of metal. Energy-from-Waste facilities reduce greenhouse gases, complement recycling and are a critical component to sustainable solid waste management. For more information, visit www.covanta.com.
SOURCE Covanta