Posted by Jamie in Green Articles, Green Companies, Green Leaders, Green Products & Services, Green Videos, featured | 0 Comments
VIDEO: Bacardi’s Wind Turbines
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Bacardi has recently announced that they are behind the largest wind turbine installation in Puerto Rico. The turbine is designed to harness natural wind energy in an effort to power Bacardi’s top distillery near San Juan. There are approximately 250,000 tourists that set foot in the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center each year to learn about the history of premium rum production; however, they will now learn about the wind energy that powers the center as well.
Bacardi considers itself to be a leader in corporate responsibility and environmental progress. The company is constantly looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The installation of two wind turbines at their most powerful distillery is important to their mission. The turbines themselves are extremely large and can be seen from several miles away. Each turbine is 250kW both and are owned by Aspenall Energies. Aspenall sells the electricity produced by wind to Bacardi.
Bacardi hopes to be a leader in Puerto Rico, where fossil fuels are heavily relied upon. The rum company aims to inspire other companies to commit themselves to renewable energy and social responsibility in their community. Bacardi is also working with the government of Puerto Rico which will provide incentives and support to those working towards greener energy solutions.
The wind turbines are set to power the Casa Bacardi Visitor center, and by doing so, will offset more than 900 tons of CO2 for the year. This is Bacardi’s first foray into wind power, but they are considering additional wind solutions and energy saving initiatives for other locations. Bacardi and Aspenall Energies are the first companies to install wind turbines for industrial scale projects in Puerto Rico.
This isn’t Bacardi’s first green initiative in Puerto Rico. The rum company patented the anaerobic treatment of distillery waste water. This process is used to derive energy which is then used to power the distillery and reduces the need for imported fuels and energy sources. In addition, CO2 is produced during the fermentation process, recovered, and sold to third parties usually for carbonated beverages. From June 2008 through February 2009, Bacardi sold 5,189 tons of CO2, harnessing its power and preventing its release into the environment. Bacardi also treats waste water and uses it in the towers during their production process, which saves approximately 22,000 gallons of water per day.
Bacardi also recycles old barrels by chopping them up for mulch or landscaping. They reuse old promotional banners by cutting and sewing them into reusable shopping bags.
Bacardi is the only major spirits company to achieve certification under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18001 for all of its production facilities.
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