Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 17, 2018

Southwire reports reduction in energy intensity

Southwire Company, a producer of wire and cable products, recently released its 2017 sustainability report, detailing the company's positive business growth as well as updates on its 2021 sustainability targets.

The company saw a 4% and 2% reduction in energy intensity and emissions intensity, respectively, in the one year since the goal was set; the company set a goal to reduce both these measurements by 15% from 2016 to 2021.

"As we look toward the 2021 goals we've set for our company, it's incredibly important that we focus on the topics that will most significantly contribute to our progress and our improvement," said Jeff Herrin, SVP of sustainability, EHS and quality. "Our updated materiality assessment helps to clarify what is most important to those we interact with daily and those who will be influenced by our decisions, both today and in the future."

During 2017, energy consumption at the organization dropped from 4,106,218 GJ to 4,081,206 GJ, with the relative amount coming from non-renewable sources dropping 5%. Its direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions dropped 5% and raised 5%, respectively. 

To collect the relevant information about the company's energy use, Southwire conducted external energy audits at its top 13 energy consuming facilities. 

"We signed the UN Global Compact in July of 2017, becoming one of more than 12,000 signatories in 170 countries who are working to take actions that advance societal goals," Herrin said in a statement. "To be a company that can sustain itself through many generations, it is important to align with these initiatives so that our communities around the world continue to prosper and thrive.

Southwire also increased its sustainability initiatives in 2017 by installing a rooftop solar installation at it Avon Lake plant in Ohio and a ground-mounted vehicle charging station at its Villa Rica plant in Georgia. It also joined Solarize Carroll in 2017, a "community-based solar photovoltaic group purchasing program designed to help homeowners, businesses, and other organizations save on the cost of solar system installations by leveraging bulk purchasing power in Carroll County, Ga."

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