N.E. Co. Finds Being Green Create More 'Green'
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But, for Londonderry-based Stonyfield Farm, being green has not only been good for the planet, it has helped increase the bottom line, says Carmelle Druschniak, Stonyfield's senior communications manager.
"For example, in 2008, Stonyfield reduced the energy use at our manufacturing facility by 8 percent, while producing 12 percent more yogurt; and that has saved us more than a quarter of a million dollars."
The cost-saving innovations included energy-efficient motors and lighting, energy-efficient building practices, refrigeration system changes and fuel switching.
In addition to reducing energy use from their manufacturing facility, Stonyfield also found a way to reduce emissions generated while shipping products. They now use more fuel-efficient vehicles, have reduced their delivery frequency, and have increased the amount of products shipped at any given time — all at a savings to the company, said Ryan Boccelli, Stonyfield's logistics director.
"Since 2006, we've reduced our outbound transportation costs by over 10 percent, so our freight costs have come down 10 percent. If you're working on a sustainable initiative, it's going to be profitable as well; you're going to see the savings come back to you."
The EPA recently honored Stonyfield Farm with its 2008 Clean Air Excellence Award for the company's efficiency results. More information on the award recipients is available at www.epa.gov/air/caac/clean_award.html.
