Diageo Transitions to 100 Percent Renewable Electricity at its North American Headquarters in Norwalk, CT

Site's Carbon Emissions Will Drop by More Than 92 Percent

News provided by

Feb 05, 2013, 10:30 ET

NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, Norwalk's largest employer, today began using power from 100 percent renewable sources at its North American headquarters on Main Avenue. "By purchasing electricity derived from renewable sources, like wind or solar power, we will reduce our carbon emissions in Norwalk by more than 92 percent," said Diageo North America President Larry Schwartz.

In a ceremony at the company headquarters, Schwartz, Mayor Richard Moccia, and employees celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting and "green" champagne toast.

Diageo's Norwalk office joins three of the company's other sites, including Plainfield, IL, Relay, MD and Tullahoma, TN in using 100 percent renewable electricity. In addition, 50 percent of all the electricity Diageo uses globally now comes from low-carbon sources.

Norwalk Mayor Richard A. Moccia commented, "As a global company with its North American headquarters in Norwalk, Diageo helps set the tone for the local business community. We are lucky that Diageo is an environmental steward, and is raising the bar for the rest of us."

In addition to converting to renewable energy sources in its offices, the company is using other approaches, including the generation of renewable energy at its production sites using by-products; purchasing carbon offsets for its fleet of commercial vehicles; and significant improvements in energy efficiency across all of its operations. Diageo North America has also made good progress on reducing water usage and waste to landfill, especially across its significant manufacturing network.

"This transition is just one of many positive changes Diageo has made in the last five years to deliver significant and sustainable improvements on our environmental impact," said Schwartz. "Diageo has a strong track record as a leader in corporate social responsibility and that is true when it comes to reducing our impact on the environment."

Diageo's facility in Norwalk has earned an Energy Star from the USA Environmental Protection Agency, and the building is currently being assessed for LEED certification. Occupancy sensor lighting, maximization of natural light and optimal settings for heating and cooling has also helped to deliver overall reductions in energy use.

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards Wines.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo