Brown-Forman to source 90% of electricity from renewables

Brown-Forman has become the first major US spirits producer to commit to purchasing renewable energy and plans to cover 90% of its electricity needs with energy from wind farms.

The deal will cover more than 90% of Brown-Forman’s annual electricity needs

The American spirits giant intends to purchase 30 megawatts of electricity from the Solomon Forks Wind Project every year for the next 15 years.

The agreement will also allow the Jack Daniel’s owner to retain ownership of any resulting renewable energy credits, which can be used to offset any greenhouse gas emissions from its US sites.

Rob Frederick, Brown-Forman vice president of corporate responsibility, said: “It takes energy to distil and produce our high quality spirits and wines. This new wind project will add new renewable energy capacity to the grid and demonstrates our commitment to a lower carbon economy.

“We believe that renewable energy is a prime solution for a sustainable energy future.”

Schneider Electric’s Energy & Sustainability Services worked with Brown-Forman to arrange the deal.

Steve Wilhite, senior vice president of energy and sustainable services at Schneider Electric, said: “This partnership demonstrates how forward-looking companies like Brown-Forman are approaching their energy use, and leading the way with their investment in low-cost, clean energy that is both good for their business and society.”

In 2012, Brown-Forman set a series of environmental goals, including a target to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2023.

In December, Brown-Forman reported that its net sales had been boosted by its Jack Daniel’s family of brands, increasing by 10% in the first six months of its 2018 fiscal year.