Over 100 years ago, Kellogg’s sold their first box of cereal. That first box was made from recycled materials, and ever since then, Kellogg’s has strived to build a company based off economic principles that align sustainability practices with smart business tactics.
In 2017, The Kellogg Company took initiative and joined RE100, a group of large, influential companies committed to 100 percent renewable power. Kellogg joining RE 100 marks a growing trend of businesses taking action and driving sustainability through private-sector ambition. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to help businesses run on 100 percent renewable energy. And as more and more top business around the globe join in, RE100 is set to change the face of energy market in the 21st century.
Kellogg’s has already met their initial goal of reaching 20 percent renewable electricity by leveraging contracts with utility companies in Europe and the U.S who are working toward maintaining alternative energy sources in local grids. The next goal The Kellogg Company plans to tackle is reaching 40 percent renewable energy by 2020. Furthermore, Kellogg’s has set 2050 as the date they are committing to achieving the RE 100 goal of 100 percent renewable electricity.
During the announcement to join RE100, Diane Holdorf, Chief Sustainability Officer of Kellogg’s, spoke to business leader’s responsibility to find the most viable option for powering their companies.
“Joining RE100 gives Kellogg’s the opportunity to showcase our leadership on climate action,” Holdorf said. “We hope to inspire others in our sector to follow our lead and do more to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”
Before joining RE100, the Kellogg Company was already well involved in renewables. In 2016, they provided 100 percent renewable energy for their Manchester headquarters, and ensured that every bit of that energy was locally sourced. The also made moves to increase renewable energy around the globe, and included renewable energy at their sites in Europe, Russia, and Egypt, at an intake between 1 and 70 percent.
Holdorf and Kellogg’s recognize energy diversification as an important part of doing business. Taking charge of where your company gets its energy and how it uses that energy makes sense in today’s economy. Alternative energy sources protect companies from fluctuating energy costs and improve the reputation of the brand. And for American companies like Kellogg’s, supporting energy innovation helps advance our country’s overall energy independence and national security.
We’re happy to see Kellogg’s among the many companies that recognize renewable energy as a valuable business decision. Check out more businesses who are making the transition to clean energy with our Business Spotlight Series.