GHG Emissions, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 4, 2022

Tillamook County Creamery Sets 2050 Goals

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a Certified B Corporation, is committing to the following dairy industry's net zero climate action goals by 2050 by achieving GHG greenhouse gas neutrality.

To spur progress toward the net-zero goal, TCCA has set an interim goal of 30% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2030. The dairy industry contributes 2% of total GHG emissions.

 TCCA will invest in improvements to its facilities and fleet, while working with its supply chain partners on the following actions:

• Energy Efficiency: In 2021, TCCA implemented energy reduction initiatives that will save an estimated 200,000 kWh and 142 metric tons of CO2-eq annually and will continue to identify and act on energy-saving projects.
• Renewable Energy: Currently 85% of the electricity TCCA purchases is from renewable sources. Through investments in on-site renewables, renewable energy certificates (RECs), or a combination of both, TCCA will strive to reach a goal of 100% by 2030. 
• Sustainable Fleet Transition: TCCA is developing near-term strategies to convert its fleet of 16 diesel trucks to alternative, low-carbon fuels with the goal of full conversion by 2030. 
• Dairy Biodigesters: Digesters use innovative technology to convert manure waste into energy or renewable natural gas, fertilizer, and bedding – a practice many TCCA farmer-owners and milk suppliers are adopting.
• Manure Additives: TCCA is piloting an all-natural manure tank additive on farms in Tillamook County that reduces odor and has been shown to reduce methane by 20%. Currently, 20 farms are using the additive in manure tanks.

"At TCCA, our farmers operate with the next generation in mind," said Paul Snyder, Executive Vice President, Stewardship, TCCA, in a statement. "The electricity, steam, and fuel that we use at our processing plants and to power our offices and fleet account for only 3% of our total emissions (Scope 1 and 2 emissions). The biggest challenge we face in meeting our climate commitment will be engaging our supply chain partners to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which make up 97% of our total emissions."