In 2008, the U.S. dairy industry came together at a sustainability summit and made a commitment to engage in a variety of projects with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009 the industry collectively committed to a voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction of 25% by 2020.
Greenhouse gases are a significant measure of energy usage, especially on the processing side of the dairy industry. So a greenhouse gas reduction of 25% for processors is in essence an energy reduction or savings of 25%. With six years left to go, will we be able to pull it off? Tough call, but I think it is achievable.