Deere & Company, Moline, Ill., announced plans to further reduce its total global greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 2005 to 2014. The company has committed to the reduction goal in conjunction with its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders program, which Deere joined in 2007.
"John Deere's greenhouse gas reduction goal shows the company's commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship," said Laurie Zelnio, director, safety, environment and standards at Deere & Company. John Deere locations worldwide will implement energy-saving projects to meet the target.
Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry-government partnership that works with companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. Participants set a corporate-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and annually report their progress to the EPA. Through program participation, companies create a credible record of their accomplishments, reduce their impact on the global environment, and identify themselves as corporate climate leaders.
John Deere's energy management program began in 1973 and requires company operations to implement energy-conservation initiatives and track energy use. In response to international global-warming concerns, Deere added a worldwide greenhouse gas emissions inventory program in 2003.
Deere's direct greenhouse gas emissions come from operations such as foundry, heat-treat, painting, powerhouse, and testing. Indirect emissions result from demand for electricity or steam.
Examples of Deere's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions include John Deere Harvester Works' recent installation of fluorescent lighting fixtures throughout its main assembly and sheet-metal fabrication buildings. The upgrade project reduced demand for electricity and contributes to a total of 3,000 fewer tons of greenhouse gases emitted each year by the East Moline, Ill., factory. John Deere's Zweibruecken Works in Germany will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing two carbon-neutral biomass boilers this year. The boilers will generate energy to heat facilities, air-condition offices, and provide heat for various manufacturing processes.
John Deere products incorporate features to lessen adverse environmental impact and advance sustainable production and efficiency. John Deere Power Systems, which manufactures diesel engines from 40 hp to 600 hp, has been a leader in reducing diesel engine emissions.
"Our commitment to these types of projects and to the goals of the Climate Leaders program demonstrate that we can be both a sustainable and growing company that remains competitive in world markets while also remaining committed to company core values," Zelnio said.
Besides finding ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from its operations, John Deere will continue to look for ways to incorporate energy efficiency through new technology into product design, new facilities and facility updates, she said.
In addition to its membership in the EPA Climate Leaders initiative, Deere also is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, another initiative to address greenhouse gas emissions. This alliance of major businesses and leading environmental groups calls for federal legislation requiring significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.
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