Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 16, 2017

Smithfield Foods launches environmental division

 After setting its first-ever greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, Smithfield Foods Inc. on Oct. 12 announced the launch of a new platform within the company, Smithfield  Renewables, with the aim to "unify, lead and accelerate" the company's environmental goals. 

The Virginia-based meat processing company, one of the largest in the world, collaborated with the Environmental Defense Fund in setting its GHG goal. First announced in December 2016, the company says its goal to reduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025 is the first of its kind in the industry.

Concurrent with its announcement of the new division, Smithfield also introduced its first senior director, Kraig Westerbeek, who will report to the company's chief sustainability officer. 

Westerbeek will lead an advisory committee that will evaluate projects and help direct a companywide strategy for renewable energy projects across both farms and facilities, the company said in a news release. At facilities, that will include refrigeration, boiler and other equipment upgrades. On farms, it includes projects that convert manure into useful products from fertilizer to renewable energy sources. 

"Smithfield has long led the industry in sustainability and its environmental commitments," Westerbeek, who is also head of the hog production division's environmental affairs, said in a statement. "Smithfield Renewables will ensure we continue to lead in this arena by further sharpening our focus on programs that help us reduce our carbon footprint and recycle energy more efficiently." 

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