Beverage company recently installed a landfill-gas-to-energy system at an Atlanta facility.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked Coca-Cola Refreshments, Atlanta, as number three on its list of the largest on-site green power generators in the United States. EPA's Green Power Partnership includes more than 1,300 organizations recognized for their support of alternative energy to reduce their environmental impacts.
A key factor in Coca-Cola Refreshments' high ranking is the recent installation of a landfill-gas-to-energy system at one of its Atlanta facilities. The system supplies most of the facility's energy needs, including electricity, steam and chilled water. The facility is one of the country’s largest biogas projects. The use of bio-fuels, fuel cells and solar panels to provide alternative energy at its facilities also contributed to the recognition.
"The EPA applauds Coca-Cola Refreshments as a leader in using green power," says Blaine Collison, director of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "Coca-Cola was named a Top Partner due to the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through on-site renewable energy generation."
The system in Atlanta generates at least 48 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of on-site biomass energy per year.
"Investing in energy efficiency projects like the landfill-gas-to-energy system creates multiple benefits. It helps The Coca-Cola Company meet our environmental sustainability goals, while reducing costs in our manufacturing process," says Brian Kelley, chief product supply officer for Coca-Cola Refreshments. "Being named a Green Power Partner by the EPA is validation for our ongoing work in creating energy and carbon efficiencies in our supply chain."
The landfill-gas-to-energy project was part of the facility's effort to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. California and Texas facilities achieved the top ranking on the list of the largest on-site green power generators, followed by BMW Manufacturing Co.’s Greer, S.C. facilities. The full list is available at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/top20onsite.htm.