Clif Bar and Company has always set out to do things differently. From organic ingredients and renewable energy to environmentally friendly packaging and non-polluting distribution methods, they strive for a healthier, more sustainable world.

What part could carbon offsets play in the company’s climate action strategy?

Reducing Clif Bar’s Fossil Fuel Emissions

Reflecting the ethos of its founder, Clif Bar has some very ambitious climate and energy goals. The company aims to source 100% green power for Clif Bar owned and operated facilities, and is working to reduce carbon intensity to 10% below a 2014 baseline by 2020.

Aside from greening its own operations, it is also working with supply chain partners to transition to at least 50% green power for electricity used for Clif Bar products and services by 2020.

But despite Clif Bar’s use of fossil fuels being successfully reduced wherever possible, the company wanted to go further by taking responsibility for all carbon emissions generated by its headquarters, business travel, bakeries and shipping to warehouses.

Helping to Build New Sources of Clean, Renewable Energy Through Carbon Offsets

Clif Bar chose NativeEnergy to help offset its annual carbon footprint by supporting projects that generate social and environmental benefits.

The Indiana Community Wind Project – the first of its kind in the state – uses wind power to benefit the Randolph Eastern School Corporation and the citizens of Union City.

Plentiful natural wind resources in Randolph County, eastern Indiana, meant the school system and city could generate profits from the sale of renewable energy.

With the promise of revenue from carbon credits and electricity sales, the community decided to construct two 330 foot, 1 MW turbines, each estimated to produce over 2,000 MWh of electricity annually.

To help finance the project, NativeEnergy used its Help Build™ model to make an upfront purchase of the five year stream of carbon reductions.

When Clif Bar invested in NativeEnergy offsets, it helped create a successful community wind project that would not have been built without the opportunity to receive revenues from the sale of its carbon offsets.

The city and school receive money from the sale of electricity to a regional utility, which provides a key source of funding for local budgets, plus 100% of the carbon offset revenues.

Sustainable Leadership That’s More Than Greenwash

After cutting its own emissions and offsetting the remainder, the final component in Clif Bar’s three-fold approach to climate action is connecting with others to build the climate movement.

In 2007 Clif Bar offset its historic carbon emissions dating back to the company’s start in 1992. This practical example of climate leadership in action is helping to encourage suppliers to transition to green energy. It also makes Clif Bar a credible voice in advocating for stronger national policies to limit carbon emissions.

Walk The Walk With Progressive Offsets

As a green pioneer and model of corporate sustainability, Clif Bar understands the importance of continuing to practice what it preaches. The company’s long-term support for progressive carbon offsets demonstrates its commitment to creating social and environmental benefits as well as emissions reduction.

NativeEnergy wants to help your company tell a similar story. Visit our Help Build™Carbon Offsets page or contact us for more information.