Energy Efficiency, Industrial  -  August 2, 2016

International Paper drives toward 2020 energy targets

International Paper Co. said its "Vision 2020" environmental plan is on track, with the company surpassing its water quality and air emission targets, according to its recently released Global Reporting Initiative 2015 report. 

The containerboard and corrugated packaging manufacturer is on track to reach its greenhouse gas emissions goal ahead of schedule, CEO Mark Sutton said in the report. 

"We don’t believe we need to choose between operating responsibly and generating profits — they go hand-in-hand," Sutton said. 

Identifying climate change and water stress among the trends it is monitoring, the company said it had reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 16% as of 2015, compared to 2010, and had cut other air emissions by 18%. In addition, the company has reduced wastewater discharges of oxygen-depleting  substances by 17%. 

The company plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by the end of 2020 – a goal that includes emissions both from its own burning of fossil fuels and those that result from the generation of steam and electricity the company purchases. Reported emissions do not include carbon-neutral biogenic greenhouse gas emissions, which were 29.1 million metric tons in 2015. 

International Paper said it has invested $495 million in energy-efficiency improvements and fuel diversity efforts over the last five years, improving energy efficiency by 10 trillion BTUs per year. While the company still incorporates fuels such as natural gas, coal and fuel oil, among others, 62% of its energy comes from biogenic residuals from its manufacturing process, according to the report. 

To date since 2010, the company has managed a 4.7% improvement in purchased energy efficiency. Continuing on this trend, International Paper reported a drop to 9.69 million BTUs per ton of production in 2015, compared to 9.74 million BTUs per ton in 2014. The company has a target of 8.63 million BTUs per ton by 2020, which equates to a 15% reduction from 10.15 million BTUs per ton in 2010. 

"By operating in a sustainable way, we demonstrate we are a trusted supplier that customers can depend on, a valued investment for our shareowners, a company where people are proud to work, and a force for good in our industry and communities," Sutton said.  

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