Energy Efficiency, Commercial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables, Wind - April 23, 2024
Charles River Achieves 100% RE Globally
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. announced the company reached 100% renewable electricity across all of its global sites as of the first quarter of 2024.
The company executed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in the U.S. and and Europe. In 2023, Charles River’s 12-year 30-megawatt wind power VPPA went live, which is a partnership with Spain-based Repsol, a multi-energy company, and covers the organization’s entire European electricity load.
In 2020, Charles River initiated a 15-year contract with Deriva Energy for a 102-megawatt solar VPPA located in Texas. As of January 2023, the solar project provides 100% of its North American electric power requirements with clean, renewable energy.
As of the end of 2023, the company achieved a 37% reduction in GHG emissions from its facilities including Scope 1 and 2 emissions. With the increase to 100% renewable electricity in 2024, Charles River is targeting a 45% reduction by year-end 2024, making progress towards its goal of a 50% reduction by 2030.
Charles River, which provides products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and academic institutions accelerate their research and drug development efforts, partnered with organizations to drive the adoption of green energy solutions. The company invested $13.5 million in sustainability-focused projects through the Charles River Sustainability Capital Fund.
From 2020-2023, Charles River funded over 100 projects globally that reduce its environmental footprint, including energy conservation and GHG reduction efforts.
“At Charles River, we are guided by our purpose of Creating Healthier Lives, which extends beyond science — because healthy lives start with a healthy planet. Today’s announcement marks a milestone in our commitment to supporting sustainable business practices and driving marked change for our clients, partners, communities, and planet,” said James C. Foster, Chairman, President and CEO of Charles River, in an announcement.
Read These Related Articles:
Stay Up-To-Date
