But what does "carbon neutrality” mean, and why is it important? We talked with Joey Durr, Sustainability Lead at Viega, whose role is to identify and implement ways we can continue to be a good steward of our resources and build a future where environmental stewardship is paramount.

Understanding Viega's Approach to Carbon Neutrality

Carbon neutrality is a critical aspect of Viega's sustainability strategy, with the company actively looking at different channels to achieve this goal. This includes optimizing energy efficiency, electrifying systems and utilizing renewable energy.

First, it looks at emissions from electricity consumption. In practice, Viega is electrifying systems, optimizing vehicle usage and leveraging energy markets to achieve carbon neutrality.

Second, it looks at where the company can optimize existing systems. Durr explained, “Small actions can lead to big improvements.” Smart technology is used to run rooftop schedules that match load demand, cooling buildings in the summer and warming them more efficiently in the winter.

Finally, the company looked at simple behavior modifications and ways employees could directly impact these initiatives. “One of the first things we targeted was to eliminate single-use plastics,” Durr shared. “In our McPherson, Kansas, facility, we’ve eliminated an estimated 100,000 single-use plastic bottles just by installing a refill station. We’ve eliminated single-use coffee cups. We’ve added timers to lighting so lights automatically turn off if a room is unoccupied.” These efforts demonstrate Viega's commitment to sustainability and how employees are a critical part of the process.

Steps Towards Climate-Neutral Production by 2035

Viega has set an ambitious goal to make its production climate-neutral by 2035. This involves constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, which is a unique challenge for a growing company. Durr says, “The blueprint developed in Ohio will serve as a roadmap for other facilities, providing a clear path for updates and improvements.” Viega's sustainability strategy significantly impacts product development and manufacturing processes. This commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of Viega's operations, for example, ensuring that all new production is carbon-neutral and all new growth is electrified.