Mars pronounces 100% renewable electrical energy for two,000 veterinary hospitals
New wind farm investments will ensure that there will be enough renewable energy for all Mars hospital operations in the US after Mars Veterinary Health’s expansion
Mars, Incorporated Announces a new power purchase agreement with Apex Clean Energy to provide renewable energy that meets more than 100 percent of the electricity needs of its 2,000 veterinary clinics in the U.S. percent renewable electricity in the U.S., as it has been since 2015.
This agreement is designed to reflect the company’s significant business growth, including the expansion of Mars Veterinary Health.
The company estimates that nearly 11 million new pets were admitted to the US in 2020, an unprecedented increase largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the average vet visit uses enough power to charge more than 600 smartphones, this power purchase agreement will enable more sustainable pet ownership in the US and enable greener business growth as the economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
Barry Parkin, Mars Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, said, “As our business in the US continues to grow, Mars is committed to embedding sustainable solutions in all of our operations. And as the world tries to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, it will be vital for businesses to take the lead. This partnership is further proof that we are reaching our emission targets at full speed and promoting climate protection in our extended value chain. “
The partnership between Mars and Apex, made possible by Commodity Risk Solution, includes Mars suppliers BHJ and Silgan Containers and will enable the construction of a new 121.26 MW wind farm in Ford County, IL, which will be completed by the end of 2021 shall be. The Ford Ridge wind farm is jointly owned by Apex, with funds managed by Ares Management Corporation’s infrastructure and energy strategy.
Combined with an existing wind farm in Texas, Ford Ridge will generate enough electricity for the entire Mars candy, food, and pet care businesses in the United States. This includes all of the Banfield Pet Hospital, BluePearl and VCA veterinary clinics, as well as more than 70 Antech Diagnostics laboratories.
Doug Drew, President of Mars Veterinary Health North America, said, “It is imperative for Mars Veterinary Health that we take steps now to ensure a better future for people, pets and the planet. This is a clear expectation of our customers and employees. As part of Mars, we can take immediate climate action and make a difference beyond the walls of our veterinary clinics. Ensuring that all of our hospitals have renewable electricity is an important step, and more will follow. “
The announcement marks an important step forward for the company towards its goal of 100% of its direct operations from renewable energy sources by 2040. When the project is complete, the US will be one of eleven countries where Mars already has renewable electricity for its entire operations, covering more than 50 percent of the world’s electricity needs. Ford Ridge will complement Mars’ existing wind power sources from the Mesquite Creek Wind Farm in Lamesa, TX, which has powered the rest of the company’s U.S. operations since 2015.
Mark Goodwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Apex Clean Energy, said, “Ford Ridge Wind represents tremendous progress: not only does it bring Mars a significant step closer to achieving its renewable energy goals; it also brings its suppliers along on the journey to grid zero.
Mars, BHJ and Silgan Containers are signaling to the market and consumers that sustainability is a priority – and that supply chain partners can work collectively to bring new renewable energies online that bring significant environmental and economic benefits. “
