Oakhurst Sets Example for Participation in Governor's Carbon Challenge
One of the first Maine-based corporations to participate in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge, Oakhurst Dairy has achieved a 12% reduction in their carbon emissions from their 1998 baseline data. Oakhurst is committed to achieving a 20% reduction goal by 2010 so they are well on their way to meeting or even exceeding their carbon reduction goal. This three-generation Maine family business (since 1921) is demonstrating success with their focus on programs that improve the environment and the health of children in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. John Bennett, Vice President of Sales for Oakhurst said, “At Oakhurst, we hope to set an example of how business can be an active partner in helping find solutions to climate change.”
Other notable steps in Oakhurst’s environmental and efficiency performance include: a commitment to using biodiesel for transportation fleet; voluntary participation in a carbon supply chain analysis with Wal-Mart; and employing rerouting computer software for improving efficiency of transportation routes, resulting in savings of diesel fuel and road mileage along with avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Oakhurst has also programmed delivery vehicle engines to go into idle shutdown mode when stopped, and to limit speeds on the highway. And delivery refrigeration units are equipped with indicators that shut down when the doors are open, and plastic curtains have been installed to retain the refrigeration. Oakhurst has a policy of purchasing retreads for their tires which often provide better gas mileage, as well as recycling oil filters, antifreeze and waste oil. Oakhurst also upgraded their sales vehicles with hybrid gas/electric cars.
The Governor’s Carbon Challenge is a voluntary goal-setting program to assist businesses and non-profit organizations accomplish their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
