- March 7, 2018
- Ashley Allen
- Policy
In January, I spent a day in Richmond meeting with lawmakers to share why clean energy matters to Mars Inc., and to emphasize our support for access to renewable energy and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Together with other Virginia-based companies, we outlined the value of clean energy and emission-reduction policies for companies like Mars that are looking to grow their business and invest in sustainable solutions that provide mutual benefits for customers and communities.
As a family-owned pet care, confectionary and food company with headquarters in Virginia, Mars is all in when it comes to addressing climate change and promoting clean energy. We have committed to power our operations with 100 percent renewable energy. We have also set a science-based target to cut carbon emissions across our full value chain by 27 percent by 2025 and by 67 percent by 2050 as part of our Sustainable in a Generation Plan. We value access to affordable and reliable clean energy to help us cut energy costs and do our part to keep the planet healthy. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are good for our bottom line, and our commitment to clean energy over the last several years has actually saved us money!
The cost of renewable power has fallen dramatically in recent years, while customer demand for clean, affordable energy has soared. From manufacturers to tech companies, service providers and others, companies are increasingly looking for ways to meet pollution reduction and renewable energy goals. We’ve joined our peer companies in the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance to outline the needs of corporate buyers seeking access to renewable energy and helped launch both Renewable Energy (RE) 100 and the Renewable Thermal Collaborative.
As a member of the Ceres BICEP Network, Mars advocates for stronger climate and clean energy policies to increase the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency, drive investments in a clean energy economy, and support climate change resilience. Like us, many BICEP member companies have operations and employees in Virginia and are committed to growing Virginia’s clean energy economy.
Beyond the direct economic benefits, cutting carbon pollution and investing in clean energy helps address the very real threat of climate change — making our economy more resilient and prepared for future changes. Climate change poses real risks for our business and the planet. Mars has factories and service sites throughout the United States and around the world that are being impacted by the storms and other extreme weather events that climate change will only make worse. Virginia is already experiencing rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms along its popular coastal areas. We need to act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Major U.S. companies are taking bold action on clean energy and climate change because they understand the risk climate change poses to their customers and bottom lines. In fact, 63 percent of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of Fortune 500 companies have set goals to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy solutions. It is encouraging to see companies set such ambitious goals, but addressing climate change is not something companies can do alone. In order to set clear rules and incentivize action, we need strong policies that support clean energy, as well.
Cutting carbon emissions and embracing clean energy is an economic imperative. Clear, market-based policies can help foster renewable energy and energy efficiency investments, grow our economy and keep our planet healthy.
These policies are the right choice, not only for Virginia businesses, but for its citizens and our valuable natural environment. We encourage lawmakers to advance clean energy solutions in Virginia, and we call on companies to join us in the effort to take action on climate change.
Allen is the Climate and Land senior manager at Mars Inc., which is based in McLean.
