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Increased corporate sustainability bolsters Greater Richmond
August 19, 2024
Greater Richmond is known for its robust sustainability efforts and environmentally friendly initiatives, shaping itself as an ideal location for ecologically responsible companies. Companies seeking pro-sustainable operating locations should look no further than Greater Richmond, where businesses benefit from a supportive community and infrastructure focused on green practices.
Greater Richmond supports sustainability, with regional companies leading the way through groundbreaking environmental projects and innovations. Some of those companies include:
CoStar Group
Since locating in Greater Richmond in 2016, CoStar Group has been fully committed to sustainability. The company recently shared new sustainability initiatives at its downtown City of Richmond campus, further proving itself as a leader in environmental responsibility and employee well-being.
The leader in analyzing real estate data plans to generate onsite renewable energy to produce 1,300,000 kWh annually. CoStar Group’s clean energy production will help the company achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification. LEED certifications represent global standards for green building. Many Greater Richmond-based companies have embraced LEED practices, demonstrating their dedication to corporate responsibility.
CoStar Group’s new office tower will also feature innovative water management systems to retain 24,000 gallons of stormwater for irrigation and sustainable water use. Advanced air purification will also ensure clean indoor air. The building’s 16-foot ceilings and biophilic design, which incorporates direct and indirect uses of nature, will enhance employees’ access to natural light. In total, the campus will offer more than 107,000 sq.ft. of green space and 50,000 sq.ft. of outdoor terraces.
The company plans to include 148 bike and scooter spaces, 80 electric vehicle chargers with 208 parking spaces, and a local staff circulator to and from campus.
Smurfit Westrock
Global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging Smurfit Westrock operates its sole research and development facility in Henrico County. There, the company focuses on finding innovative ways to replace plastic in packaging.
Smurfit Westrock’s products include CanCollar, an innovative line of paperboard solutions for canned beverages that aim to replace environmentally harmful plastic six-ring collars and shrink wrapping. These solutions, partially developed in Greater Richmond, boast an 83 percent recovery rate through standard recycling processes.
Smurfit Westrock employs 3,000 people in Virginia and its Greater Richmond operations house ~300 employees. The company relies heavily on Virginia’s infrastructure, ranking the #3 top user by weight at The Port of Virginia. Further proving its commitment to sustainability, Smurfit Westrock is a member of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Executive Committee.
Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy has been focused on its net zero commitment for more than 20 years. The Fortune 1000 energy provider aims to achieve its net zero emissions goals by 2050 and is setting a benchmark of 55 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. To reach its goals, Dominion Energy is implementing a variety of strategic initiatives.
Dominion Energy continues to invest in wind-generated energy through new offshore wind farms. The company’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project will be fully constructed by 2026. These wind turbines will deliver clean, renewable energy across the country while avoiding producing millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is expected to create 1,100 jobs.
Dominion Energy’s zero-carbon nuclear power also helps the company work toward its net zero emissions goal. With four nuclear power plants on the East Coast, two are located in Virginia. These facilities play a crucial role in providing emission-free electricity and are known for their reliability and low environmental impact.
The LEGO Group
The LEGO Group selected Chesterfield County for its U.S.-based manufacturing facility thanks to the location’s strong infrastructure, workforce and commitment to sustainability. The company’s new $1 billion facility will span 1.7 million sq.ft. and is expected to create 1,761 jobs. The LEGO Group’s new operations will be 100 percent carbon neutral thanks to an onsite solar farm. In addition to its facility, The LEGO Group practices sustainability through its materials, packaging, operations and suppliers.
The Danish toymaker plans to reduce both absolute greenhouse gas emissions and net-zero emissions by 2032 and 2050, respectively. Part of The LEGO Group’s plan to reach its goals includes the use of recycled materials and innovative, less harmful plastics.
To reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain, The LEGO Group is launching a Supplier Sustainability Program to require suppliers to adhere to environmental standards and support the use of sustainable materials. The initiative aims to create a more sustainable supply chain and a cleaner company footprint.
Meta’s Henrico Data Center
Thanks to its LEED Gold certified Henrico Data Center, Meta contributes greatly to the region’s development in sustainability. Among Meta’s many green initiatives is the company’s 2023 water-positive goal. The data center operator aims to restore more water than it consumes. Meta’s commitment to onsite water efficiency is also evident at its Henrico Data Center. The facility uses cooling technology that surpasses industry efficiency standards and reuses water multiple times before discharging it as wastewater.
Additionally, the data center is positioned near native vegetation to minimize irrigation needs, capture and infiltrate rainwater onsite and utilize water-saving technologies throughout data center facilities.
In Greater Richmond, Meta has already reached net-zero emissions and 100 percent renewable energy thanks to its partnership with Dominion Energy. Now, Meta aims to bolster Virginia’s future of sustainability through partnerships that support statewide sustainability projects.
Cascades
Hanover County-based Cascades produces 100 percent recycled containerboard and linerboard at its manufacturing facility. Spanning 1,620 acres, the site was strategically selected for its logistics and availability of raw materials within the region.
Compared to the North American pulp and paper industry average, Cascades emits 42 percent less greenhouse gas, consumes 4.3 times less water and utilizes 2.3 times less energy on average to manufacture its products.
Cascades is renowned for its sustainability efforts and continues to rank among the nation’s top sustainable companies. The company’s presence significantly contributes to the environmental and economic well-being of Greater Richmond.
Leading the way in sustainability
Greater Richmond is a thriving hub for corporate sustainability thanks to ongoing efforts from many companies operating in the region. These companies and more exemplify how Greater Richmond is paving the way for increased investment in corporate environmental responsibility.
