KKR Green Portfolio Avoids 1.2 Million MT GHGs

by | Dec 18, 2012

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Independent car services provider ATU, discount retailer Dollar General, bedding maker Sealy Corp., US Foods and a dozen other companies participating in Kohlberg Kravis & Robert’s Green Portfolio Program have avoided more than 1.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, 3.4 million tons of waste and 13.2 million cubic liters of water use from 2008 through 2011.

Collectively, these companies have achieved more than $644 million in financial impact through efforts in energy and water efficiency, operational improvements and better waste handling, KKR says.

The GPP, which is made up of 24 enrolled KKR private equity portfolio companies, was designed to encourage innovation, reduce environmental impacts and improve the financial bottom line of the participating businesses. Of the 24 companies in GPP, 16 reported their results this year (see graphic).

Eight companies added to the portfolio this year, including Del Monte Foods, Capsugel, Kion Group and MMI, are expected to begin sharing results in 2013, said KKR.

Dollar General had some of the best results in terms of avoided emissions and savings.

In absolute terms, GHG emissions at Dollar General’s stores, support center and distribution centers have increased 29 percent compared to a 2007 baseline largely due to an expansion in operations and a substantial increase in refrigerated and frozen product. But over the same time period, efficiency has improved 29 percent and 723,000 metric tons of GHG emissions have been avoided, said KKR. The company recycled 506,000 tons of waste, a step that allowed it to avoid $127 million in waste costs.

Another standout was Wild Flavors, which avoided 5,700 mt of GHGs, 2,400 tons of waste and 83.6 cubic meters of water use. The company’s efficiency, based on GHGs emitted per ton of product, has improved by 15 percent.

On the other hand, Sealy’s GHG emissions from manufacturing plants have increased 2 percent compared to a 2008 baseline, while efficiency has declined by 12 percent (based on GHGs emitted per unit shipped) over the same period. The decline in efficiency is associated with a drop in the number of units shipped as well as an increase in square footage.

Over the same time period, however, the company has reduced bedding scrap by 35 percent, while productivity has improved by 12 percent, based on pounds of scrap per unit produced. Sealy also has reduced landfill waste from its secondary bedding market by 26 percent, according to the report.

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