Bega Cheese has committed to a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, a 50 per cent reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 and a 40 per cent reduction in absolute emissions by 2030.
Bega chairman Barry Irvin told last month’s annual meeting all staff members and everyone involved in Bega Cheese operations can think about how to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in emissions on the products they were responsible for.
“If each of our sites is working towards a 50 per cent intensity reduction we believe that will then yield us in absolute emissions terms, a 40 per cent reduction by 2030 and of course a net zero emissions by 2050,” Mr Irvin said.
“Sustainability and emissions targets are considered to be an important strategic priority for the business and have been included in annual performance assessments for both (the CEO) and myself.”
Fonterra general manager of sustainability Jack Holden said a sustainable future for the business was core to Fonterra’s strategy.
“We’re bringing sustainability to the heart of everything we do — we need to respect and safeguard the wellbeing of our people, our farmers and their animals, and protect and regenerate our environment,” he said.
“Caring for the planet for future generations is a collective responsibility.
“Our 2030 target is to have reduced our CO2 emissions from our Australian manufacturing and transport by 30 per cent from 2018 baseline, and we are on track to meet this.”
Mr Holden said Fonterra was also investing in the development of a number of emission reduction solutions.
“Our trial of red seaweed in Australia as a way to reduce methane emissions from cows is an example of investing in technology and innovation to reduce the environmental impact of livestock in a way that works for farmers and is safe for animals and our consumers.”
Last year, Saputo pledged to accelerate its global climate performance and announced targets and a commitment to make significant and sustainable progress by 2025.
The company has allocated a portion of the three-year $50 million investment to complete 12 specific projects across its network, and pursued opportunities in sourcing renewable electricity.
The Australian Dairy Division has started a large-scale renewable power-purchasing agreement, which will enable 46 per cent of its electricity consumption in Australia to be offset with renewable energy, saving 61,000 tons of CO2, which represents a 5.7 per cent reduction of the company’s global CO2 footprint.
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