Energy Use and GHG Emissions
Medtronic used approximately 503,000 megawatt-hours of energy (electricity, natural gas and fuel oil) in fiscal year 2011. This resulted in corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of approximately 237,000 metric tones carbon dioxide (CO2e). Normalized to revenue, our rates of energy consumption and CO2 emissions were approximately 4 percent greater than in fiscal year 2010.
By using energy conservation technologies to reduce energy use and associated GHG emissions, including energy efficient lighting and ventilation systems and automated building controls, Medtronic has successfully reduced its rate of energy use by over 15 percent since fiscal year 2007. Significant savings are being realized and our businesses continue to evaluate projects like those summarized in the story below to further reduce energy use and GHG emissions at their locations.
Renewable Energy Investment Reaps Benefits for Facilities in California, Italy
Medtronic Invatec Torbole, Italy
In an effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption, Medtronic facilities in Santa Rosa, California, USA and Roncadelle and Torbole, Italy, installed solar panels during fiscal year 2011.
The panels, which produce renewable energy, are projected to reduce electrical demand by 40 percent during peak hours at our Coronary, Peripheral and Endovascular facility in Santa Rosa, netting an anticipated savings of $1.8 million over the next 20 years.
The photovoltaic conversion panels at Medtronic Invatec facilities in Italy produce 115,000 kilowatts of renewable energy each year. In addition to lowering energy costs, Medtronic will receive €0.40 from the Italian government for each kilowatt produced by the panels over the next 20 years.