LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brown-Forman Corp. on Friday announced its placement, for the first time, on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “National Top 100 List” of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership (GPP). Brown-Forman is using 130 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents more than 98 percent of its U.S. operations’ total power needs.
Brown-Forman partnered with ENGIE North America for the purchase of 30 MW from the East Fork Wind project located in Colby, Kansas, pursuant to a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
This achievement comes as a result of Brown-Forman’s long-term focus and investment in renewable energy. The East Fork Wind power project, which became operational in April 2020, provides a renewable energy source that enables Brown-Forman to fully achieve its target of reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2023, from a 2012 baseline.
“Brown-Forman is proud to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for our green power use,” said Alex Alvarez, chief production and sustainability officer.
“Our investment in wind power adds renewable energy capacity to the U.S. grid and demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future. We believe that innovative investments, such as renewable electricity, are smart business and we encourage others to join in contributing to a lower-carbon economy.”
By moving the needle in the voluntary green power market, Brown-Forman and other Green Power Partners are helping to reduce the negative health impacts of air emissions including those related to ozone, fine particles, acid rain, and regional haze.
“This list of the largest users of green power across the nation is proof that good business practices can also benefit the environment,” said James Critchfield, program manager of EPA’s Green Power Partnership. “EPA applauds the leading organizations in the Green Power Partnership’s “National Top 100 List” rankings for their notable commitment to expanding their use of green power and protecting our environment.”
According to the U.S. EPA, Brown-Forman’s green power use of 130 million kWh is equivalent to the annual electricity use of nearly 12,000 average American homes.
Commitment to environmental sustainability is not new for Brown-Forman. The company’s work includes addressing the reality and threat of climate change and ensuring the protection of its vital watersheds. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water stewardship goals Brown-Forman has set to achieve by 2023 are ambitious. They include further progress toward conversion to clean energy sources and reduced water use across operations.
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