Aurora Organic Dairy
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019-2021)
Reporting Period: 2019-2021
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:13.4 kg CO2e/kg of product (2021, excluding water weight)
Renewable Energy Share:100% (carbon-neutral energy)
Carbon Intensity:29% reduction in GHG emissions per kg of product (excluding water weight) vs. 2012 baseline
ESG Focus Areas
- Animal Care
- People
- Planet
Environmental Achievements
- Achieved 100% carbon-neutral energy goal in 2020 and 2021 (validated by third party)
- Reduced GHG emissions by 29% per kg of product (excluding water weight) vs. 2012 baseline
- Reduced plant water consumption by 39% vs. 2012 baseline
- Committed to regenerative land management in 2021, implementing no-till practices
Social Achievements
- Launched innovative employee programs to ease pandemic-related challenges
- Created approximately 125 jobs at the Columbia, Missouri Milk Plant
- 38% of supervisory and management positions held by women (compared to 28% in 2019)
- Named a Top Workplace in the U.S. in 2022 and a Denver Top Workplace in 2021
Governance Achievements
- Achieved Where Food Comes From CARE certification in 2021
- Maintained uninterrupted operations during the pandemic prioritizing safe practices and working conditions
- Continued focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
Climate Goals & Targets
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce GHG emissions by 30% per kg of product (excluding water weight) by 2025 vs. 2012 baseline
- Reduce energy consumption by 15% per half gallon equivalent of product by 2025 vs. 2012 baseline
- Divert 25% of farm solid waste and 75% of plant solid waste from landfill by 2025
- Reduce plant water consumption by 20% per half gallon equivalent of product by 2025 vs. 2012 baseline
- Increase rate of positions filled internally to 10% by 2025 (3-year average)
- Improve participation in health and wellness initiatives to 70% by 2025
Environmental Challenges
- Pandemic-related disruptions
- Disrupted worldwide supply chains and record-setting inflation
- Effects of climate change
- Higher-than-normal injury rates in 2019 at farms and plants
- Limited reuse and recycling services at farm locations
- Difficulty in eliminating milk residue from packaging containers
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented new protective equipment, technology, and working arrangements to maintain safety during the pandemic
- Opened Columbia Milk Plant to improve business reliability and add new products
- Built two new heifer-raising facilities
- Increased management focus on safety, implemented programs to reduce common safety issues (e.g., Captive Shoe Program)
- Installed a baler and compactor at two farm locations for cardboard recycling
- Exploring recovery methods to reuse or recycle containers with milk residue
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 100% of feed suppliers must meet quality standards and be USDA organic certified; third-party food safety audit for plant suppliers
Responsible Procurement
- Product quality, organic certification, and animal care standards
- Preference for local farmers and suppliers
- Collaboration with feed suppliers on soil health and sustainable farming
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Drought
- Wildfires
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Changes in climate impacting crop yields, milk production, and access to natural resources
Opportunities
- Improved energy efficiency
- Regenerative land management
- Innovation in organic feed additives
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB
Certifications: USDA Organic, SQF, Validus Animal Welfare, Validus Worker Care, Validus Environmental, Where Food Comes From CARE
Third-party Assurance: Independent, third-party validation of 100% carbon-neutral energy claim
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- A2 milk
- Grass-fed milk
- Lactose-free milk
- Flavored milks and creamers
Awards & Recognition
- Top Workplace in the U.S. (2022)
- Denver Top Workplace (2021)