NEWS

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Gills is Founding Reporter of Climate Registry

Industry Leader Takes Action on Climate Change

OXNARD, CA– Gills Onions has become a Founding Reporter of The Climate Registry by being among the first to join the organization. The Climate Registry is a non-profit organization established to measure and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in a common, accurate and transparent manner consistent across industry sectors and borders. Thirty nine U.S. states, eight Canadian provinces, six Mexican states, three Native American tribes, and the District of Columbia are the founders of the organization.

“Gills Onions has demonstrated exemplary environmental leadership by courageously stepping forward to support The Climate Registry in its preliminary stages. We are deeply grateful for their integral support in helping to address the challenge of climate change,” said Gina McCarthy, Chair of The Climate Registry.

A forerunner in the fresh produce processing industry, Gills Onions has demonstrated environmental stewardship on several fronts by voluntarily committing to measure, independently verify, and publicly report its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on an annual basis utilizing The Climate Registry General Reporting Protocol. The protocol is based on the internationally recognized GHG measurement standards of the World Resources Institute and World Business Council on Sustainability.

Gills Onions is the nation’s largest processor of fresh-cut onions. Headquartered in Oxnard, CA, Gills is a vertically-integrated, family-owned and operated company that handles everything from growing onions to processing and shipping them. With 100,000 square feet of processing and warehouse facilities, Gills peels and cuts up to ½ million pounds of onions per day.

Since its beginning 25 years ago, one of the Gills family’s passions has been to explore new technologies and methods to maximize conservation and efficiency in all areas of its business. From company-wide recycling programs and innovative waste management programs to community involvement, Gills Onions has always been a environmentally-conscious pioneer in the fresh produce processing industry. One major project currently underway is the construction of an Advanced Energy Recovery System. The system will convert onion waste into reusable energy (up to 50% electrical conversion efficiency) and which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30,000 ton/year CO2 equivalent.

“We are thrilled about being one of the founding registrants of the Climate Registry program,” said Nikki Rodoni, Sustainablilty Coordinator for Gills Onions. “Now our efforts can be substantiated and more importantly, verified and recognized by all of North America. It fits perfectly with our company’s forward-thinking philosophy.”

About The Climate Registry
Incorporated March 2007 in Washington, DC, The Climate Registry provides accurate and transparent measurement of GHG emissions and ensures consistency of measurement metrics across industry sectors and borders. The Climate Registry accounting infrastructure supports both voluntary and regulatory programs. For more information please visit, www.theclimateregistry.org.