WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Washington Gas, a WGL company (NYSE: WGL), today announced that it beat two aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals four years ahead of schedule as part of an ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship.
Washington Gas achieved a 74 percent reduction in absolute GHG emissions from its fleet and facilities and a 20 percent reduction in methane emissions for every unit of natural gas delivered, exceeding goals of 70 percent and 18 percent, respectively, by 2020.
Bureau Veritas North America provided an independent verification of the GHG emissions for both the baseline (2008) and 2014 years, validating the reduction. Washington Gas surpassed its emissions reduction goals earlier than projected through several initiatives, including:
- Establishing a LEED Gold-certified Washington Gas operations headquarters in Springfield, Virginia. The facility uses Bloom Energy server fuel cells that use natural gas to generate electricity, producing almost half the emissions of conventional grid electricity, and employs a wide range of energy efficiency technologies.
- Deploying nearly 200 natural gas vehicles in the Washington Gas fleet.
- Accelerated pipeline replacement programs in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of its natural gas system.
The combination of fleet, facilities and gas supply (intensity) measures has avoided approximately 312,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2008 until 2014. It would take more than 8 million trees 10 years to eliminate the equivalent amount of CO2. A fact sheet is available for more details on both of the achievements. In addition, you can view a video on the fleet and facilities result here.
“WGL is dedicated to sustainability as a core company value and I am proud of the efforts of our employees, contractors and communities who have made it possible for us to exceed these objectives ahead of schedule,” said Terry McCallister, Chairman and CEO of WGL Holdings, Inc and Washington Gas.
“We look forward to introducing new carbon reduction goals soon that will build on this progress and demonstrate our continued commitment to the communities we serve in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region that has been in place since our founding nearly 170 years ago,” added Melissa Adams, Division Head, Corporate Social Responsibility.
About Washington Gas
Washington Gas Light Company is a regulated natural gas utility providing safe, reliable natural gas service to more than 1.1 million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. A subsidiary of WGL Holdings, Inc., the company has been providing energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers for more than 167 years.
About WGL
WGL (NYSE: WGL), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a leading source for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities and assets across the U.S., WGL consists of Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream and Hampshire Gas. WGL provides options for natural gas, electricity, green power and energy services, including generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our employees, our community and all our customers. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask Us. For more information, visit us at www.wgl.com.
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