Expansion Management

P&G Counting on the Sun and the Wind

Feb. 5, 2011

Procter & Gamble has installed its first wind turbine at its pet care plant in Coevorden, Netherlands.

The turbine became operational on Jan. 26 and is expected to supply approximately 17% of the plant's annual energy consumption.

The turbine is estimated to produce approximately 5,500 megawatt hours of energy per year. And since I know you are wondering how many houses that would power, the answer is 1,500.

As for the sun, solar panels will be installed atop the company's Beauty & Grooming plant in Cologne, Germany. Construction begins in the spring of this year and the company expects production of 796 megawatt hours of energy per year by the summer.

This energy system is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 544 metric tons per year.

These two efforts are part of a larger goal that the company is pursuing. Their vision includes:

*Powering plants with 100% renewable energy

*Using 100% renewable or recycled materials for all products and packaging

*Having zero consumer and manufacturing waste go to landfills

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.