EPA Honors Norwalk Beverage Company

HARTFORD, CT – A Norwalk-based beverage company, Diageo North America, was recognized Wednesday at the 2018 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the US Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office for its efforts to reduce the company’s environmental impact.

The organization was among 28 recipients across New England honored for their work to protect New England's environment, according to a news release. Anne Gobin of Broad Brook was also recognized with a lifetime award for her many years of service to the health and environment of her state.

"New England is fortunate to have so many individuals, businesses and organizations that exhibit their strong commitment to local communities and to a clean and healthful environment," EPA New England Regional Administrator Alexandra Dunn said in a release. "EPA is very proud to recognize these meaningful accomplishments."

According to the release, EPA New England each year recognizes individuals and groups in the six New England states whose are distinguished by their work to protect or improve the region's environment. The merit awards, given since 1970, honor individuals and groups who have shown ingenuity and commitment.

The Environmental Merit Awards, given for work or actions done in the prior year, are awarded in the categories of individual; business (including professional organizations); local, state or federal government; and environmental, community, academia or nonprofit organization. EPA also presents lifetime achievement awards for individuals each year.

Diageo North America is committed to reducing the company's environmental impact, particularly its impact on air quality. Diageo's North American Supply organization has been working to improve air quality by significantly reducing carbon emissions related to its logistics.

In 2015, Diageo joined EPA's SmartWay program to reduce emissions by shipping products with SmartWay-certified carriers. When Diageo chooses carriers each year, a key factor is whether the carrier is SmartWay-certified. If a carrier is not registered with EPA, Diageo recommends certification and supports them through the process.

After partnering with SmartWay, Diageo increased its ton-miles shipped via SmartWay-certified carriers from 73 to 83 percent by 2016. By February 2018 it had achieved 95 percent of ton-miles shipped with certified carriers. As of April 2018, Diageo has decreased its carbon emissions 62 percent since 2015. Efforts focused on supply site operations in 2017 reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 74 percent from 2007 - exceeding initial targets.

Diageo North America embraces innovative ideas and approaches by, for example, converting its old diesel tractors into electric vehicles that release zero carbon emissions. Two electric yard jockeys eliminate 60 U.S. tons of carbon dioxide annually. The company's goal is to expand this project to other areas as it looks to continue reducing its environmental footprint.

For more information, visit the EPA website.

To sign up for Norwalk breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Photo credit: Shutterstock