Casella used EPA Climate leaders guidance to inventory their company-wide direct and indirect emissions. Through this process, they learned that methane from their landfills accounted for 88% of their total greenhouse gas footprint. These findings led to heavy investment in gas collection infrastructure, which actively pulls methane gas out landfills so it cannot escape to the atmosphere. Between 2005 and 2009, Casella reduced their overall footprint by 43%, to 1,110,143 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. This reduction is substantial given that they increased their landfill acreage by more than 100 acres over this same time period. Landfill methane continues to make up  the majority of their emissions.

Reducing their Energy Usage:

Over the coming years, Casella hope to develop a better understanding of their energy usage profile. They will arrange third-party energy audits for representative facilities throughout their footprint and consider joining one or more federal energy efficiency programs. This will help us understand and prioritize their opportunities for energy savings. Their near-term goal is to reduce their total electricity and natural gas consumption to 5% below 2009 levels by 2012. Casella will also reduce their fleet diesel fuel consumption to 10% below 2009 levels by 2013.

Greening their Fleet:

Casella operate a fleet of 1,861 vehicles, including collection trucks, long-haul tractor-trailers, and automobiles. By improving the fuel economy of their fleet, Casella reduce fuel consumption and emissions, allowing them to protect the environment, save on fuel costs, and provide a cleaner service to their customers.