Fonterra charts progress against its 'Climate Roadmap'

One year on from the release of its climate roadmap, New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra says it is on track to meet its climate targets and is coal-free in its North Island manufacturing.

The co-op turned off the coal boiler at its Waitoa site this month, its last in the North Island, marking a significant milestone in achieving its emissions reduction targets outlined in its Climate Roadmap released in November 2023. 

This year, three renewable energy projects at Edendale, Hautapu and Clandeboye have reduced emissions by a total of 62,500 t.

Fonterra Director of Sustainability Charlotte Rutherford said: “We’ve made a great start; while progress may not be linear, we are on track to meet these targets. I’m particularly proud of the work the team has done to achieve SBTi validation, the progress in providing tools and services for farmers, and the efforts of decarbonising our manufacturing sites.

“While it may be one year on from the release of our Roadmap, we have been focused on reducing our emissions, particularly from our manufacturing and operations, for some time now and being free of coal in our North Island manufacturing is something the team should be proud of.”

Rutherford said just as important has been the work over the past year to lay the foundations to support farmers in reducing their emissions.

“Reducing emissions through driving greater on-farm efficiencies is also a priority for the co-op. Our approach is about empowering farmers with tools, insights and support to make meaningful changes.

“As we move closer to 2030 we will begin to see the impact of these tools and services in the results. We know there’s more work to be done, and right across the value chain we continue to invest in innovative technologies and solutions that will set us up for success.”

Image credit: iStock.com/ValentynVolkov