2023
OFFSET PROJECTS
Powered by 108 wind turbines, the Crow Lake Wind project has generated an immense amount of clean energy. This wind farm is situated on 36,000 acres near Chamberlain, South Dakota, and is able to produce 162 megawatts (MWs) which is enough to provide electricity for approximately 105,000 houses a year. The energy produced from this wind farm is a cost-efficient alternative to obtaining energy from grid-connected resources. Furthermore, this project was developed on a voluntary basis and not used to help any state renewable portfolio requirements.
Reclaimed HFC Fire Suppressants (USA)
HFCs, commonly used in fire suppression systems, are extremely potent greenhouse gases—often thousands of times more powerful than CO2. Projects that reclaim HFCs from old equipment are crucial in reducing emissions by preventing these gases from escaping into the atmosphere. By collecting, purifying, and reusing HFCs where possible, or safely destroying those that can't be reused, these initiatives reduce the need for new HFC production and prevent harmful releases. Additionally, transitioning to alternative fire suppressants with lower global warming potential further cuts emissions. Recognizing the significance of this approach, environmental agencies like the EPA have highlighted proper HFC management and phasedown as a key strategy in the fight against climate change.
The Phlogiston Phase I N2O Abatement project focuses on reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions at Ascend Performance Materials' adipic acid plant in Cantonment, Florida. N2O, a potent greenhouse gas, is a byproduct of nylon production. The project involves installing a new absorption column that captures N2O emissions more efficiently, converting them into nitric acid through a high-pressure water absorption process. This allows the plant's Thermal Reduction Unit (TRU) to process more off-gas, leading to increased N2O destruction. The project is North America's largest voluntary N2O abatement initiative and enhances existing emissions control technologies.
This project involves upgrading refrigeration systems in supermarkets across several U.S. states by installing new refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP), specifically R-744 (CO2), R-449A, and R-448A. The initiative includes both new construction and conversion of existing systems. The conversions are taking place grocery stores in Middletown, New York, where older refrigerants R-22 and R-507A are being replaced. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using refrigerants that have a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional options, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
The BioLite Improved Cookstoves Programme in Kenya is helping to address the country's biomass deficiency by providing ultra-efficient cookstoves to households. Traditional cooking methods in Kenya, such as the use of three-stone fires, are highly inefficient and rely on excessive amounts of biomass fuel, contributing to deforestation and air pollution. BioLite cookstoves reduce fuel consumption by 50% and cut toxic pollutants by up to 90%, protecting local ecosystems and improving air quality. These stoves also generate electricity, allowing families to light their homes or charge phones while saving money on fuel. Supported by carbon credit revenues, the programme is scaling up to deliver sustainable, clean cooking solutions across rural communities in Kenya.
Home Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Through The Finger Lakes Climate Fund (Madison County, NY, USA)
In 2021, Colgate made its first local offset purchases through the Finger Lakes Climate Fund (FLCF) and continued this partnership again in 2023. These investments provided low-to-moderate income families in Hamilton, NY, with vital gap funding to install energy-efficient heat pumps and implement energy conservation measures in their homes. This financial support made these projects possible, lowering home energy costs and improving comfort. By partnering with the FLCF, Colgate not only contributed to impactful local projects but also claimed the carbon reduction benefits to help offset its institutional greenhouse gas emissions. Read more here.
In 2023, Colgate's contribution to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund (FLCF) directly benefited two families in Madison County. One homeowner in DeRuyter received a new energy-efficient heat pump hot water heater, an upgraded electrical panel, and enhanced insulation for their attic and basement, all completed by Halco Energy on Colgate's behalf. These improvements resulted in a 97-ton reduction in carbon emissions, along with lower energy usage, increased comfort, and reduced energy bills. Similarly, a homeowner in the Village of Hamilton replaced their old hot water tank with a new energy-efficient heat pump hot water heater, leading to over 20 tons of emissions reductions and significant cost savings.