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Summary
While reaching milestones is an achievement in itself, there’s just a little something extra special about achieving an industry-first milestone. As of yesterday, Taylor Farms can proudly say it’s done it, with three certifications to boot. The fresh salad company received the U.S. Green Building Council TRUE platinum zero waste certification at three of its California facilities, a first in the fresh food industry according to its press release.
“Now more than ever before, we are noticing a shift in customers, consumers, and business partners to be increasingly more aware of the source of their food and the sustainable practices behind that food production,” said Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Taylor Farms. “We are proud that Taylor Farms is at the forefront of developing and identifying sustainability practices that are breaking down barriers and establishing new norms within the industry. Consumers should be confident that our product offerings are helping them to lead healthy lives while contributing to a healthy environment and healthy communities.”
Taylor Farms received the zero-waste certification at three facilities in Monterey County, California. The facilities were recognized for diverting over 95 percent of materials from the environment, incinerators, and landfills and achieving 90 percent energy independence from the utility grid through unique microgrid solutions. According to the press release, Taylor Farms reduced 175,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in just two years, equivalent to 37,000 cars off the road annually. These facilities are the first fresh food facilities to achieve the TRUE platinum certification.
Taylor Farms partnered up with Concentric Power, Bloom Energy, REC Solar, and Foundation Wind Power to build the groundbreaking microgrid and Environmental Management System (EMS). The microgrid energy solutions are made up of renewable and alternative energy sources including solar, wind, fuel cells, and cogeneration. But the sustainability journey doesn’t end there; Taylor Farms has over 10 major sustainability initiatives across North America including solar, wind, fuel cells, cogeneration, zero waste, water recycling, and more.