In recognition of the intertwined issues of environment and cost associated with energy, our strategic approach is to reduce non-renewable energy use and switch to renewable energy sources where we can.

At Nestlé Purina PetCare’s Denver plant, for instance, energy use has been cut by 12.4% per tonne of product during the last five years by installing a new energy-efficient boiler, switching to more energy-efficient lighting, improving compressed air and steam systems, and developing best practice guidelines to streamline its operations.

But in addition to such energy-reduction efforts, it can now also boast Colorado’s largest, privately owned solar-panel installation. A 476-panel system covering about 21 000 square feet now occupies the plant’s roof, and generates a further 1% of the plant’s electricity needs. Thanks to the success of this pilot project, we are now exploring the viability of similar solar panels at plants in Arizona and California.

“This makes Nestlé Purina the first manufacturer to use solar energy directly in the production of pet food. As a company, we’re making a commitment that we’ll continue to investigate opportunities to preserve our communities where we live and work.”
Tom Plymell, Operations Performance Manager, Nestlé Purina PetCare – Denver

Similarly, Nestlé Italy will install photovoltaic panels at two of its factories – Ferentino (ice cream) and San Sisto (chocolate) – to produce 550 000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to 1.4% of its annual energy demands.

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