Bimbo Bakeries USA
CHICAGO — Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V. expects to reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by 260,000 tons annually through the signing of a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Chicago-based Invenergy, an independent renewable energy company. Grupo Bimbo will receive 100 megawatts of wind energy in the agreement that also will deliver social and economic benefits related to Invenergy’s Santa Rita East wind farm in Texas.
“We are excited to partner with Invenergy in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the U.S.,” said Daniel Servitje, chairman and chief executive officer of Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo. “We strive to be leaders in sustainability — it is part of our purpose of building a sustainable, highly productive and deeply humane company — and decreasing our environmental footprint is one of our primary goals.”
The agreement is part of Grupo Bimbo’s initiative to become the first baking company in the United States to use 100% renewable energy for its operations by 2020. Beginning in the third quarter of 2019, wind energy production from the Santa Rita East wind farm will be matched with energy consumption from Grupo Bimbo’s U.S. operations. The action will allow Grupo Bimbo to reach 75% renewable energy at a worldwide level, with overall annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions at 440,000 tons.
Construction and operation of the Santa Rita East wind farm will deliver benefits to Irion county, including up to 300 jobs during construction and 12 to 15 permanent jobs once the wind farm is operational. As part of Invenergy’s agreement with the county, the project will generate $4,000 every year for eight years for the Mertzon’s Lions Club, the Irion county volunteer fire department and the Extension Education Club.
“This agreement is a great example of how companies across all industries can view renewable energy as beneficial for both the environment and business,” said Michael Polsky, founder and c.e.o. of Invenergy. “Grupo Bimbo is one of the organizations leading the way for sustainability in the baking industry, and as Invenergy continues to lead the way to a clean energy future, we are proud to help expand their commitment to using renewable energy on a global level.”
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own and operate renewable and other clean energy generation and storage facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Invenergy has regional development offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Poland and Scotland.
