Energy Conservation
Energy represents a significant part of our cost structure and is the source of most of our carbon emissions. Our business strategy calls for continually seeking cost-effective improvements in our operations that result in more efficient use of energy, thus reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), and improving our environmental performance. "One such example is the Solar Bee, a water storage aeration unit which eliminates the need for an electrical compressed air system," said George Martin, director of Coors US technical services.
Since the merger of Molson Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company in February 2005, we have been developing corporate-wide measures and targets to conserve energy and share best practices throughout the organization. In 2008, we set the global year on year target of reducing our energy utilization by 4%.
For the past three years, we have participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project, an independent, non-profit organization that collects climate-related information from leading global companies and provides it to the investment community and the public. In our submission, we describe risks and opportunities that are posed by climate change. In the US, Coors is a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Program, an industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. In the U.K. CBL is partnering with the Carbon Trust, a government sponsored organization committed to helping companies reduce their carbon emissions and develop low-carbon technologies. We also participate in Wal-Mart and Tesco programs to determine the carbon footprint of our products from “grain to glass,” including the distribution chain, in an effort to reduce inefficiencies.
Although we have made some strides in reducing energy use in offices and brewing operations and curtailing employee transportation by providing public transportation passes, telecommuting options and use of teleconference facilities in lieu of travel, we have yet to address all of these issues in a comprehensive manner.
Earth Hour 2008
Earth Hour was a global initiative in March 2008, encouraging individuals and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to show their support for taking action on climate change. Molson Coors participated in Earth Hour internationally, with its Canadian, U.S. and U.K. breweries and offices all taking part. Energy conservation is an important issue for Molson Coors, and participation in Earth Hour was not only a chance to play our part, but also a great way to raise awareness among our employees.
Following are highlights of energy reduction activities by country:
United Kingdom
Coors Brewers continually reduced emissions over the last ten years. Between 2001 and 2005, energy use decreased by 5%, despite a 4% increase in production volume. Specific management and physical improvements include:
- International Standard for Environmental Management (ISO 14001) certification in 2002
- Replacement of a coal-fired boiler to a high-efficiency dual-fired installation in 1995
- Removal of all CFC refrigeration
United States
Coors is proactively seeking to reduce energy usage by 3–5 percent as part of a corporate business strategy to protect the environment. Other components of the strategy include:
- Developing energy conservation communications, awareness and education programs
- Identifying and prioritizing capital projects that impact energy consumption
- Exploring alternative energy programs
As a member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders Program, we have set a 12% GHG emissions reduction goal indexed to production by 2010 (baseline year 2005).
Canada
A national energy committee has been created within Molson that is committed to reduce energy use by setting targets and developing strategies to meet those targets.
Brewery Energy Conservation Program: The Power to Make a Difference
- Molson believes that energy conservation is the “right thing to do” for the planet, so beginning with the Brewery Energy Conservation Week April 28, 2008, Molson launched its energy conservation program, The Power to Make a Difference, in all of its breweries across Canada.
- The ongoing program is focused on encouraging employees to conserve energy in simple ways such as turning on and off equipment, and always being aware of their use of water, electricity and natural gas – both at work and at home.
