Sustainability

Growing Green

We will reduce our environmental footprint, even as we sustain our business and the communities in which we live and work. At Southwire, we recognize that our success depends on the conscientious use of the finite resources of our planet, and we maintain a deep commitment to responsible growth and actively integrating environmental priorities into our core operations.

2025 Carbon Zero Goal

In July 2020, Southwire announced a goal to achieve 100% zero carbon 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 from the market.

In pursuit of Carbon Zero, Southwire will engage and build partnerships with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders to collaborate and reduce our carbon footprint. Read more on our Carbon Zero web page.

*Southwire uses a subscription software solution to consolidate GHGs (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ and NF₃) into CO₂e. Global Warming Potential (GWP) values for natural gas, propane, etc. are based on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, 2014 (AR5). All sites are under operational control.

^†Our subscription software consolidates GHGs (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ and NF₃) into CO₂e. Factors in the system are either based on US EPA eGRID factors (electricity) or in-country equivalent or the best estimate for international sites; GWP values for natural gas, propane, etc. are based on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, 2014 (AR5). All sites are under operational control.

*Information obtained from utility bills, estimates used where data unavailable; Energy consumption calculated based on 1,025 Btu/cf natural gas (2013 average per US Energy Administration), 91,420 Btu/gal propane (Alternative Fuels Data Center, 2014), 1,054.2 Joules/Btu, 3.6 MJ/KWh

*For waste by type see our 2020 GRI Content Index

*2016 baseline and 2017 status values were revised to reflect corrections to site production numbers following implementations of SAP, which altered the intensity calculation.

Related Resources

EHS Policy and Principles

Global Supplier Sustainability Manual

Sustainability News

Southwire's Packaging Team Enhances Sustainability Efforts

Jul 22, 2021

In support of Southwire’s Carbon Zero goal to be carbon neutral for its operations by 2025, the packaging team actively searches for opportunities to improve sustainability efforts and reduce environmental impact.
Southwire Signs Offsite Renewable Agreement with Constellation To Support Solar Energy

Jul 14, 2021

Southwire to match one-third of annual energy usage with renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Rayos del Sol solar project in Texas.
Investing in the Future Through Standard Chartered’s Sustainable Deposits

Jun 14, 2021

Southwire has partnered with Standard Chartered, a leading international trade bank by investing in sustainable deposits with a focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).
Southwire Emphasizes Sustainability Commitment with Declare Label Certification

May 11, 2021

Southwire recently obtained a Declare label for its 600 Volt and 1000 Volt SOLONONplus® Type XHHW-2 VW-1 cables, making it the first company in the U.S. to offer a Declare label for a power cable used in the wiring of green building projects.
Vineyard Wind Announces Southwire As Key Supplier For Nation’s First Commercial Scale Offshore Wind Project

Apr 12, 2021

Vineyard Wind today announced that Southwire will be a key supplier for the design, manufacturing and installation of the onshore cables for Vineyard Wind 1.