Utah facility committing to renewable energy sources
BD’s facility in Sandy, Utah, is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels by committing to one of the largest “Blue Sky” renewable energy purchases to date in the state. Through Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program, the Sandy facility agreed to buy 2,944 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of renewable energy monthly, all generated by renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, wave and low-impact hydro sources, instead of coal, fuel oil and natural gas.
“We want to send a message to our associates, customers and community that we are committed to sustainable growth and the long-term health of the environment,” says Travis Anderton, the facility’s safety and environmental manager.
Over the span of a year, BD’s Blue Sky commitment is estimated to offset 3,533 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, providing annual environmental benefits equivalent to a 7.5-million-mile reduction in driving or planting approximately 1,388 acres of trees.
In 2007, 10 percent of the facility’s electricity use will be matched to renewable energy purchases. The goal is to support renewable energy generation equal to 25 percent of the plant’s electricity use by 2010.