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Mars Petcare unveils renewable energy plan

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31 Oct, 2024

This post was originally published on Sustainability Matters

Mars Incorporated has announced that its Wodonga pet food manufacturing facility, producer of PEDIGREE and WHISKAS, will become the first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution, for both electricity and process steam, within the next two years.

The company described this as a significant step towards achieving its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese toured the site alongside Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand.

“We are incredibly proud to announce that Mars will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years,” Sargeant said.

“Decarbonising site-based process heat, coupled with Mars Australia’s 100% renewable electricity use, is a significant achievement that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also positions our Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.”

The parabolic trough at the Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant.

Key to the transition will be the $39.3 million Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant. This includes the installation of an 18 MW parabolic trough concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant providing up to 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking pet food. The project, partly funded by a $17.2 million ARENA grant, marks the first commercial deployment of parabolic trough CST technology in Australia, according to Mars.

“Investing in renewable energy technologies like CST is critical to decarbonising industrial processes, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on gas for steam-based manufacturing,” Sargeant said. “CST offers a powerful solution by capturing and storing solar energy, in the form of high-temperature heat, for use at any time, making it an ideal fit for our steam-based manufacturing needs.”

Mars Petcare Green Steam.

Mars has also implemented electric thermal energy storage (eTES) technology. This allows the facility to utilise low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity during off-peak times to generate and store heat that can produce steam at any time of day or night. Supported by CSIRO, the eTES system provides a cost-effective, renewable alternative to gas.

Additionally, Mars is working with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates at Hydrogen Park Murray Valley. This arrangement will displace over 10% of Mars Australia’s total gas consumption, which includes Mars Petcare Wodonga.

“For Mars, the CST and eTES systems are complementary renewable heat technologies,” Sargeant said.

“With the addition of the AGIG hydrogen purchase, and Mars Australia’s existing 100% renewable electricity agreement, the Wodonga facility will deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years, as part of our global commitment to 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040.”

Mars is also working with other local companies and government entities as part of a broader effort to help create a renewable energy hub in north-east Victoria for generations to come.

“Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,” Sargeant said. “We are part of the fabric of the local community, supporting jobs and investment in regional Victoria.

“Wodonga is at the heart of that journey, and today’s announcement is a major step forward in supporting both regional investment and Australia’s clean energy future.”

All images courtesy of Mars Incorporated.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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