Sustainability

 

Carbon Zero

In July 2020, Southwire announced a goal to achieve 100% carbon neutral energy for our operations by 2025 (2018 baseline). This objective—coined Carbon Zero—will address our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Southwire will achieve this goal through eco-efficiency projects to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of green energy—including owned or leased renewable energy sources, purchased green power and renewable energy credits and carbon offsets.
Under Carbon Zero, Southwire will continue to engage, build partnerships and collaborate with suppliers, customers and others to reduce our carbon footprint. Additional actions may include some or all the following:
 
  • Reduction of on-site energy use through efficiency and modernization efforts
  • Installation of on-site renewable energy sources such as solar
  • The use of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for on-site renewable applications
  • The use of virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for off-site renewable applications
  • The purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs)
  • The purchase of renewable power from utility providers
  • The purchase of carbon offsets 
  • Supporting the transition of our electricity and gas providers to low carbon energy sources
In 2022, our Board Sustainability Committee approved Southwire’s first Scope 3 emissions reduction goal. The objective: Implement six activities to reduce our Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2028. With the need for climate action more urgent than ever before, we’re energized to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions across all three Scopes. 

In 2021, we completed the installation of a solar generation system at our corporate headquarters in Carrollton, Georgia. The system includes two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, two solar picnic tables and a solar canopy located over our expectant mother and handicap accessible parking areas. In addition, we also installed new EV charging stations at our Southwire Family Medical Center in Carrollton and our plant in Heflin, Alabama. Completion of projects in 2021 brings our company-wide total to three solar installations and six EV charging locations.

Renewable Energy Purchasing Programs

In 2021, Southwire signed a ten-year contract with Georgia Power to participate in their Customer Renewable Supply Procurement (CRSP) program. As part of our layered approach to achieving Carbon Zero, participation in the CRSP program is anticipated to offset approximately 6% of our carbon footprint.
 

Sustainability News

Southwire to Host Drive-Thru Toy Collection Drive in Carrollton

November 16, 2023

Southwire is excited to announce the return of its annual Toy Drive benefiting Toys for Tots on Thursday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 8, in Carrollton, Ga. from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. (EST).

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Southwire Announces Partnership with READY Robotics

November 08, 2023

Southwire is pleased to announce a partnership with READY Robotics, a pioneer in cutting-edge automation solutions that overcome the obstacles faced by manufacturers, to deploy automation at five of the company’s facilities.

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Southwire Joins ENERGY STAR® Program in Partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

October 18, 2023

Supporting the company's intent to be a leader in sustainability, Southwire has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Program.

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Southwire’s Huntersville Plant Recognized for the Eighth Year with Air Compliance Excellence (ACE) Award

October 02, 2023

Southwire’s facility in Huntersville, N.C., has again been recognized for its efforts in achieving compliance with air quality permits by receiving the annual Air Compliance Excellence (ACE) Award.

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