Frank Ippolito, a Purina Dunkirk employee of nearly 30 years, stands in the factory's warehouse, where the company partnered with National Grid to install advanced LED lighting upgrades. Purina has made high-quality dog and cat food at its factory for nearly 50 years and is committed to sustainable operations.

Nestlé Purina’s recent energy efficiency investments and robust LED lighting technology upgrades at its Dunkirk manufacturing facility will increase productivity, create a more sustainable work environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,100 tons, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 114 U.S. homes, according to US EPA.

The LED lighting project improved light quality and efficacy at Purina’s Dunkirk facility and was supported by a $125,000 National Grid energy efficiency incentive. Purina replaced nearly 1,000 fluorescent lights that were approaching end of life with advanced LED lighting equipped with motion sensor controls.

“When it comes to sustainability, we’re all in this together to make a positive impact today and into the future,” said Will Steiner, Factory Manager at Purina in Dunkirk. “As members of the Dunkirk community, it’s important that we support each other on common goals and commitments that benefit the planet, people, and pets alike. We appreciate National Grid’s support to help us further our mission to make Purina pet food products in an environmentally responsible manner.”

“When companies invest in their facilities, we know that they are committed to staying and growing in the region,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “Companies such as Purina have significant impacts on local and regional economies, and these types of investments are critical elements of sustainability and customer growth, which have long been areas of focus for National Grid. We look forward to continuing to work with Purina to identify other opportunities to unlock efficiencies, reduce energy costs and further reduce their carbon footprint.”

Funding for Purina’s LED lighting project was provided through National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Program, which includes financial incentives for commercial and industrial customers who reduce electricity costs. Incentives are available for customers who install energy-efficient lighting, controls, HVAC equipment, motors/electronic speed controls and other systems that reduce energy use and/or enhance productivity. More information about National Grid programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

New lighting system – benefits

Purina’s new lighting system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,100 tons in areas of the facility where the upgrades were made. Other benefits of the new LED lighting include enhanced visual performance, comfort and safety. The non-utility benefits from the project include improved light levels, safer workspaces and reduced maintenance costs.

Purina’s sustainability journey and environmental impact

Purina has had a longstanding presence in Dunkirk for nearly 50 years, creating high-quality and popular Purina pet food brands, supporting the local community and employing approximately 380 people.

“Sustainability is a key factor in our operations and our product development, and we’re committed to making our products in a sustainable way so that we can safeguard the planet we all share,” said Steiner.

Meanwhile, the Dunkirk factory has made great strides in its sustainability journey. In addition to being a zero waste for disposal factory, the site also receives 60 percent of its energy from hydropower, which is a renewable source.

Purina is working toward a global ambition for zero environmental impact in its operations by 2030. Purina recently achieved zero waste for disposal at its St. Louis Headquarters and across all manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

The company is also committed to sourcing ingredients responsibly, caring for water, and acting on climate change with a goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity in the shortest practical timeframe. Additionally, Purina is working toward a commitment to make the packaging for all of its pet care products 100 percent recyclable or reusable by 2025.

National Grid’s Net Zero 2050 Plan provides pathway to cleaner, greener future

As one of the largest energy companies in the northeast, National Grid plays a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy that they use and rely upon every day. The company recently announced its Net Zero by 2050 Plan, aimed at achieving net zero gas emissions by 2050 including those from the transmission and delivery of natural gas and electricity to customers. The plan builds on the company’s Responsible Business Charter, which established National Grid’s commitments to the environment, employees, customers and communities. We look forward to collaborating on solutions and focusing our efforts to address challenges related to reducing energy demand, decarbonizing the gas network, utilizing large scale renewables, integrating innovative technologies and more beyond 2050.

About Purina

Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 8,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 49 million dogs and 66 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.

Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.