Blue Diamond Growers
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021-08-28 to 2022-08-26)
Reporting Period: 2021-08-28 to 2022-08-26
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:745,595 tCO2eq (FY21)
Waste Generated:980 metric tons (to landfill)
Carbon Intensity:~0.28 MT CO2e per MT finished product
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainable agriculture
- Water stewardship
- Biodiversity and pollinators
- Climate and energy
- Our People
- Resilient Communities
Environmental Achievements
- More than $1.74 million paid to growers through the Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP) in 2022.
- OSIP covers 40% of all Blue Diamond member acres.
- 11% of all Blue Diamond member acres were Bee Friendly Farming® certified in 2022.
- 20% reduction in water use at Blue Diamond’s Sacramento facility in fiscal 2022.
- Reduced materials going to landfill by 18% at the Salida facility through increased recycling and reuse.
- Awarded $746,000 by California Energy Commission for a project to reduce GHG emissions through the replacement and modernization of a steam boiler system (expected to reduce natural gas consumption by more than 30%).
- 90% of Blue Diamond retail packaging are recyclable, based on weight.
Social Achievements
- 81% of employees report via employee survey that they are proud to tell others they work at Blue Diamond.
- 69% of employees would describe Blue Diamond as a great place to work.
- $140,000 in community grants to 14 organizations.
- 190,000 lbs of product and in-kind donations to food banks and other nonprofit organizations.
- 538 paid volunteer hours contributed by Blue Diamond employees.
Governance Achievements
- Established a cross-functional Sustainability Steering Committee to advise the Director of Sustainability.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Reduce almond water use by 20% by 2025 (in line with Almond Board of California goal).
Short-term Goals:
- Increase BFF®-certified farm acreage to 15% by 2025.
Environmental Challenges
- Historic droughts in California impacting water resources.
- Climate change and resource constraints affecting almond farming.
- 10% of retail packaging not currently recyclable.
Mitigation Strategies
- Investment in facility upgrades to improve water efficiency.
- Grower education, conservation, and regeneration initiatives.
- Geospatial assessment of each orchard to gauge water risks.
- Research to identify recyclable pouch options for snack almonds.
- Continuous improvement approach to managing energy, water and resource-efficient facilities.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- 18% of non-almond spend with small and/or diverse organizations.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Droughts
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards (2016)
Awards & Recognition
- Salida facility: Green Business Certified by the California Green Business Network of Stanislaus County (April 2021)
- Turlock facility: Green Business Certified by the California Green Business Network of Stanislaus County (June 2021)
- Salida facility: City of Modesto Business Recycling Award (September 2020)