As a part of our environmental management efforts, Viterra employs environmental impact reduction strategies that incorporate the integrated business practices of sustainable development, risk management, pollution prevention, resource conservation and waste management.  Our Company has taken several measures to reduce our energy consumption.  Some of our initiatives in this area have included installing new energy-efficient kilns, implementing ways to recover heat from boilers, upgrading and replacing grain dryers in Western Canada, retrofitting lighting, and investing in a low-emissions enviro-locomotive for our Vancouver port terminal. 

Through a recycling program in Australia, Viterra has prevented more than 193 tonnes of grain bunker plastic lining from entering landfills.  We have also reduced water consumption at our Australian malt operations by installing state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants, and we are targeting further reductions by supporting the research and development of new barley varieties and industrial malting systems that could reduce water usages at our malt operations by as much as 40%.  Our recent commissioning of a new water treatment facility will lower water demand at our malt plant at Tamworth, Australia by approximately 59,000 kL annually, an amount equivalent to the annual demand of 170 residential dwellings. 

Because greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the potential to contribute to climate change, governments are in the process of regulating carbon emissions.  Viterra meets all greenhouse gas regulatory reporting requirements in the countries in which we operate, and our strategic decisions related to emissions and energy management take into consideration our Company’s greenhouse gas inventories.

In Australia, Viterra has measured and reported greenhouse gas emissions and energy use information as required under required under national legislation.  For the most recent reporting period (July 2009 to June 2010), Viterra Australia’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions combined were 150,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). 

Viterra recently completed a greenhouse gas inventory for the North American operations.  For the recently completed fiscal year (November 2009 to October 2010), Viterra’s North American Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions combined were 186,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). 

All of the inventories are based on facilities under Viterra’s operational control.  Based on the timing of recent acquisitions and progress through the integration process, the inventory includes 6 months of emissions for Dakota Growers Pasta Company, and none from 21st Century Grain or the New Zealand facilities.

Future North American inventories will include 21st Century Grain and Dakota Growers Pasta Company.  New Zealand emissions are being tracked within the company’s reporting systems for the year July 2010 to June 2011 and the data will be added to Viterra’s carbon footprint as part of the next reporting cycle.  

Visit our Sustainability News page to read more about Viterra's recent sustainability efforts.