ST. LOUIS, July 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of
Spire's commitment to the environment and the communities it
serves, the company announced it is one of the first natural gas
companies in the United States to
commit to being carbon neutral by midcentury, while also reducing
methane emissions with a 53% reduction by 2025.
Spire's focus on environmental responsibility is featured in its
second annual Corporate Social Responsibility report, which
highlights performance data the company tracks through the
independent Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index, the American
Gas Association voluntary reporting tool, and information provided
to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Other focus areas in the report include community, people and
leadership.
"We know natural gas plays an important part in a sustainable
energy future," said Steve Lindsey,
executive vice president and chief operating officer at Spire.
"That's why we're committed to moving our business forward in a way
that protects the planet and supports communities for generations
to come."
Spire is committed to:
Substantial reductions in methane emissions
By 2025, Spire's goal is a 53% reduction in gas utility methane
emissions from 2005 levels, putting the company well ahead of
international standards, which call for a commitment of a 26 to 28%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions nationwide.
Spire has already seen success in reductions:
- Since 2005, Spire's utilities have reduced overall methane
emissions by 39 percent.
- As an active member of the EPA's Natural Gas STAR Methane
Challenge program, Spire committed to reducing methane emissions by
5% per year, up from its prior commitment of 2 % per year.
- In fiscal year 2019, Spire invested $287
million to replace 359 miles of aging infrastructure
resulting in a 21% leak reduction per 1,000 system miles of
distribution pipelines. Over the last five years, Spire reduced
leaks per 1,000 system miles by 66%.
Being a carbon neutral company by midcentury
In addition to its infrastructure upgrades and methane reduction
goals, Spire's natural gas utilities are committed to being carbon
neutral by midcentury.
"Our environmental efforts are important to our customers, and
they are important to us, too," Lindsey said. "As a natural gas
utility, we will continue to find innovative ways to supply the
energy people depend on while striving to become carbon neutral by
midcentury."
Working responsibly
Spire is also creating sustainable workplaces, eliminating water
waste, recycling across all facilities and efficiently fueling its
fleet.
- Not only does Spire follow all applicable rules and regulations
regarding water management, including the Clean Water Act, the
company uses limited water for hydrostatic testing, and, on a more
limited basis, in pipeline construction. Spire also repurposes
water and uses leading storm water management techniques, spill
prevention control, countermeasure plans and conduct audits at
construction sites.
- While plans are in the works for a comprehensive recycling
program across all facilities, Spire already has several
initiatives in place, such as recycling cardboard as well as
industrial and universal wastes including fluorescent bulbs,
high-efficiency lamps and alkaline batteries.
- Spire is also reducing carbon emissions by using compressed
natural gas in nearly 300 of its fleet vehicles (about 13%).
Access more information about Spire's environmental commitment
and the complete CSR report here.
About Spire
At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR) we believe energy exists to help make
people's lives better. It's a simple idea, but one that's at the
heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.8 million homes and
businesses making us the fifth largest publicly traded natural gas
company in the country. We help families and business owners fuel
their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses
include Spire Marketing, Spire STL Pipeline and Spire Storage. We
are committed to transforming our business through growing
organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through
innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.
Investor Contact:
Scott W. Dudley Jr.
314-342-0878
Scott.Dudley@SpireEnergy.com
Media Contact:
Raegan Johnson
314-342-3300
Raegan.Johnson@SpireEnergy.com
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SOURCE Spire Inc.