PepsiCo, Inc., a global food and beverage company, recently announced that it plans to achieve 100% renewable electricity for its U.S. direct operations this year. The U.S. accounts for nearly half of the company’s total global electricity consumption.
This goal builds upon the company’s current renewable efforts, which include nine European countries within PepsiCo’s European direct markets meeting 100% of their electrical demand from renewable sources. In addition, 76% of the electrical needs of its Mexican business in 2018 was delivered via wind energy.
“We have entered a decade that will be critical for the future of our planet's health,” said Ramon Laguarta, chairman and CEO, in the press release. “PepsiCo is pursuing 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. because the severe threat that climate change poses to the world demands faster and bolder action from all of us.”
To achieve 100% renewable electricity, PepsiCo plans to implement a diverse portfolio of solutions, which include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Virtual Power Agreements (VPPAs) and renewable energy certificates (RECs). The company plans to include more RECs and move away from PPAs and VPPAs by 2025. In addition, PepsiCo recently installed solar panels at its global headquarters in Purchase, NY.
“As an industry leader, we have a responsibility to help spur the use of renewable energy in the U.S., while encouraging the kind of systemic change that can build a more sustainable food system, said Chief Sustainability Officer Simon Lowden. “This is another step forward in that journey.”
To learn more about PepsiCo’s efforts, read the original release.