Targets identified by the company include:
- reducing the intensity of its water use by 10 percent;
- lowering natural gas use by 20 percent;
- a 12 percent reduction in electricity use; and
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent.
JBS USA established additional targets in the areas of worker health and safety, supply chain management and animal welfare.
“Our 2020 commitments for sustainable improvement continue our legacy of responsibly providing a diverse portfolio of well-recognized customer and consumer-facing brands that meet the needs of families today, while helping make the world a better place for future generations,” said Andre Nogueira, president and CEO.
JBS USA also released a report detailing the progress of the company’s sustainability projects in 2017. Last year, the company invested more than $300 million in sustainability related projects. The company reduced the intensity of its water use by 6.2 percent, natural gas by 6.3 percent, electricity by 5.2 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 7.6 percent, compared to 2016.
The company said it outperformed industry averages in worker health and safety metrics and scored 90 percent or greater on all external animal welfare audits.
JBS USA continued to make positive contributions to local communities highlighted by a $12.5 million investment in Colorado State Univ. to establish the JBS Global Food Innovation Center in Fort Collins, Colorado.
