Bendix eyes renewables to cut CO2

US commercial vehicle equipment manufacturer Bendix is planning to ramp up its use of renewable energy and buy carbon offsets as part of a plan to cut its CO2 emissions in half over the next 10 years.

The Elryia, Ohio-based company on 4 November unveiled a series of new sustainability goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by next year, that it says it will meet through the use of renewable energy, including on-site projects, and energy efficiency, along with carbon offsets.

"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet today, and we

believe that as a business we are an essential part of the solution," Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability Maria Gutierrez said.

Meeting the goal of cutting its emissions in half from its operations and electricity use will require a significant increase in the company's use of renewable energy. The company does not currently use any renewables or buy renewable energy certificates (RECs) as part of its electricity use, but it is aiming for 100pc green electricity by the end of next year.

Bendix is developing a solar project at its Huntington, Indiana, campus that it says will get it to 5pc renewable energy use, and the company has kicked off a procurement for renewables and RECs for the remaining electricity. It is also evaluating onsite solar generation projects at three other sites that could bring its share of renewables up to 10-20pc.

The company, which develops and manufactures active safety, air management and braking solutions for commercial vehicles, is a subsidiary of German company Knorr-Bremse AG.

Bendix says it will use carbon offsets where it is not feasible to purchase green electricity either for financial or technological reasons. The offset portion of its plan will be managed by the parent company in Munich.

By Michael Ball