In its recently released fiscal year 2023 ESG report, Ardent Mills, a renowned flour-milling and ingredient company, has placed a significant emphasis on its environmental initiatives. Titled “Nourish: Intention & Impact”, the report delineates Ardent Mills’ new, time-bound goals that pertain to all aspects of its business operations, particularly highlighting the company’s advancements in environmental sustainability.
Central to the report’s environmental focus is Ardent Mills’ approach to the responsible management of natural resources, encompassing energy, water, waste, and operational efficiencies. The company undertook a greenhouse gas emissions inventory in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It aims to set a science-based target in 2024.
“Guided by ‘Nourish: Intention & Impact,’ we continue to drive innovation, promote sustainability and nurture a future that reflects our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.”
In its efforts to optimize energy use, Ardent Mills achieved progress towards its goal of attaining 50% renewable energy usage across operations by 2025. Currently, the company sources 37% of its energy from renewable sources.
Regarding waste management, 73% of Ardent Mills’ facilities are now actively recycling and 44% participating in composting programs, moving towards the goal of enrolling all facilities in these programs. Water conservation efforts have also been noteworthy. Through initiatives such as regenerative agriculture collaborations and facility-level assessments, the company saved 4.8 million gallons of water.
“Our FY23 ESG report serves as a benchmark in our continuous journey towards being responsible corporate citizens, both celebrating the progress we’ve achieved while charting our path forward,” said senior manager of ESG Phoenix Dugger. “Guided by ‘Nourish: Intention & Impact,’ we continue to drive innovation, promote sustainability and nurture a future that reflects our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.”
Ardent Mills: Other initiatives
Ardent Mills also sheds light on its social initiatives under the pillars of ‘Communities’ and ‘People’. The company engaged 945,000 students in agricultural education and donated over 2.9 million meals across local communities.
The ‘People’ pillar includes initiatives such as addressing the industry-wide lack of custom-designed women’s uniforms and leveraging the company’s Flourish intern program to welcome a diverse class of interns. Additionally, Ardent Mills invested in team members’ development and conducted almost 50,000 hours of safety training.
“Our new ESG strategy underscores our continued dedication to intentional and impactful change – both within Ardent Mills and our surrounding communities,” said CEO Dan Dye. “I am humbled by the progress demonstrated in our FY23 ESG Report and I am reminded of our commitment to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
