In 2001 there were three key areas of focus, 1) development of the framework standards; 2) initiation of the Global Warming campaign; and 3) continued development of the bulk handling systems for ingredients.

The framework standard process was initiated by Unilever in 2001 as a way to develop an environmental management system (EMS). The EMS provides a process for the achievement of continuous improvements in environmental performance. The EMS focuses on 17 separate areas that include Environmental Policy, Environmental Aspects, Environmental Training and Awareness and Communication. By developing a program that focuses on these 17 key areas, the facilities will be able to establish priorities and set objectives and goals, determine environmental impacts and to monitor, manage and plan environmental activities. In 2001 the Waterbury Plant completed a gap analysis to determine how they measured up to the EMS. The results were good, indicating that the site met 83% of the identified focus areas. Waterbury had made many of the changes by year-end and has been engaged in developing a program for the entire company that will provide consistency between all sites.

The Global Warming Campaign is a company-wide effort that focuses on raising public awareness regarding the critical issues related to climate change. In support of the effort, calculations were made to determine the company’s contribution to greenhouse gases. The calculations encompass all the company facilities, which include the manufacturing sites, distribution center and central support. In addition, transportation measurements were calculated for national distribution, key suppliers such as the St. Albans Co-op and Sweetheart, Vermont’s Finest and the Shuttle Team. Collectively, these emissions were summed and translated into tons of Carbon Dioxide, a key greenhouse gas. Based upon the results of the calculations and the company’s effort to raise awareness regarding global climate change, a statement was prepared that articulated our commitment to reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions by 10% by 2007 based on 2002 numbers. Go to www.benjerry.com/bjosw.cfm to read the statement.

Since 1994 Ben & Jerry’s has collected data on the key areas of environmental impact. These areas are, solid waste, dairy waste, energy use, water use and recycling. The data is normalized to gallons of production. Each year the plants establish goals to reduce dairy waste and solid waste, two key areas of impact. The plants may also set goals to reduce water or other key indicators. In order to achieve these goals, specific projects need to be initiated.

In 1999 the Packaging Innovation Group (PIG) was initiated to determine which ingredients were best suited for bulk handling systems. Initial efforts in 2000 brought about changes for caramel, marshmallow and yogurt, and these three ingredients were moved into totes. In 2001, due to some packaging integrity issues, caramel and marshmallow were returned to drums. In 2001 the team focused on cherries and efforts to return caramel and marshmallow to totes. The return to a smaller, non-recyclable container for caramel and marshmallow caused increases in solid waste at the manufacturing sites due to a larger number of drums. The team anticipates a return to totes by Q2 2002. Overall changes to larger packaging not only reduces solid waste, but also decreases the potential for employee injuries from handling pails. There is also the opportunity for increased efficiencies at the plants.

Ben & Jerry’s is a dairy-based business. One of the most significant potentially adverse environmental impacts of dairy farming is to the water supply. Many of our supplier farms are located in the vicinity of Lake Champlain which has experienced stress from phosphorus run-off from agricultural, industrial and municipal sources. Nitrogen is also a potential concern for ground water quality.

In 1999 Ben & Jerry’s launched the Vermont Dairy Farm Sustainability Project (VDFSP). The purpose of the VDFSP is to address water quality issues as they relate to dairy farming. Nitrogen and phosphorus are potential water contaminants. Phosphorus is of particular concern in the Lake Champlain watershed. Research done at Cornell University indicates that dairy farming practices can lead to concentration of these nutrients on farms. Work done by Professor Dan Fox at Cornell inspired these VDFSP goals: 1) Assess nutrient status on participating dairy farms in the Lake Champlain area; 2) Identify economical opportunities for improving nutrient management on participant farms; 3) Demonstrate the impact of economic implementations; and 4) Educate the dairy industry and the public about Dairy Farm Nutrient Status and proven, economical methods for improving nutrient management on dairy farms.

To accomplish these goals the VDFSP relies on collaboration from many aspects of the dairy industry. VDFSP board members include representatives of Ben & Jerry’s, The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Poulin Grain, Bourdeau Bros. of Middlebury, Bridgemanview Dairy Farm and University of Vermont Extension Service. The result is a unique collaboration involving farmers, farm suppliers, milk processors, university extension and dairy product manufacturers, all focused on improving nutrient management to safeguard water quality. The VDFSP is an incorporated nonprofit organization with funding provided by the Northeast SARE program, the Windham Foundation, Ben & Jerry’s and the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation.

In 2001 data collection for nutrient status assessment was realized on eight farms. This included biweekly monitoring of rations fed to milking animals. Actual intakes were measured, forages analyzed, production and physiologic state assessed and CNCPS model runs made for each group of lactating cows (CNCPS - Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System - is a sophisticated computer model which assesses feed nutrient status in cattle). Non-lactating groups are similarly treated on a monthly basis. Crop data collection included manure sampling, and, on a per field basis, yield, fertilizer and manure application and soil sampling information. Also, in conjunction with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), data needed to implement the P-Index on each farm is being compiled (The P-Index is software that assesses field P run-off potential).

Preliminary findings indicated that Nitrogen and Phosphorus do concentrate on dairy farms. Results also indicated that purchased feeds are the greatest contributor to imported nutrients. Preliminary investigation into potential improvement areas for nutrient management indicated that starter fertilizer P application rates on corn can reach four times the UVM recommended rate when crop history, manure application, soil test and expected yield data is considered. Improved precision in matching nutrient application to crop need resulted in significant reduction of applied P and savings of over $2,300 on one farm, with no decrease in crop yield. Preliminary evaluation of feed nutrient status in lactating groups indicated that nitrogen and phosphorus are, on average, fed in excess of animal requirement. These findings indicated opportunities to reduce the rate of nutrient concentration by increasing precision in crop and feed nutrient management.

In 2002 the VDFSP will work with the same eight farms to implement nutrient management improvement strategies. Data collection will continue to document implementation impacts.