Cummins Inc Achieves 31% GHG Reduction: 2023 Sustainability Progress and Facility Upgrades
Cummins Inc has a strong tradition of setting high sustainability standards and leading the industry in these efforts. We have consistently worked to align our business and sustainability strategies to fulfill our mission of improving lives by driving a more prosperous world. Our efforts have a positive impact on our customers, the communities we serve, and the planet. Our ongoing mission is to find innovative and better ways to power the world.
In 2019, we introduced the PLANET 2050 environmental sustainability strategy, which includes nine environmental goals to be achieved by 2030, along with additional aspirational targets set for 2050. One of our 2030 goals is to cut absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our facilities and operations by 50%.
Progress on reducing emissions from our facilities and operations
By 2023, Cummins achieved a 31% reduction in total GHG emissions compared to the 2018 baseline. This reduction is equivalent to removing 313,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere.
When excluding recent acquisitions and organic business growth, our GHG reductions show an absolute decrease of 33.5% from the 2018 baseline. We see substantial opportunities to enhance energy efficiency in our newest facilities, and we remain committed to improving the sustainability and efficiency of our operations. Below are some of the project implementations from 2023.
Overall, we invested over $18.8 million in 267 GHG reduction projects, which are expected to save over 29,951 metric tons of CO2e annually. This reduction is comparable to taking about 6,500 cars off the road.
Charleston Turbo Plant equipment upgrades to reduce emissions
In 2023, Cummins’ Charleston Turbo Plant made a meaningful impact on emissions by upgrading its equipment. The plant replaced outdated turret lathes, which are large machines used to shape metal components for turbochargers, with modern equipment. This upgrade not only led to operational improvements but also enhanced energy efficiency and reduced water usage. The new machines also required less downtime and proved to be more reliable.
Upgrades at the Columbus Engine Plant: VFDs and new hydraulic doors
Recent improvements at Cummins’ Columbus Engine Plant (CEP) have also boosted efficiency. CEP is a hub for manufacturing and research and development for many Cummins products, including battery packs, electric driveline components, and heavy-duty machining of heads and blocks for the X15 engine.
The installation of variable frequency drives
CEP installed variable frequency drives (VFDs) that have increased energy efficiency in process coolant. VFDs adjust motor speeds in real-time, reducing unnecessary energy consumption by aligning motor output with demand. Compared to fan cycling methods, these VFDs can cut energy use by up to 87.5%, with an estimated annual savings of nearly 400,000 kWh.
In addition to optimizing operations, the installation of VFDs minimizes wear on process pumps and compressors, enhancing system reliability and extending their lifespan, which also helps reduce energy costs.
Switching from pneumatic doors to hydraulic doors
Another upgrade with significant energy efficiency benefits was the switch from pneumatic automatic sliding doors to hydraulic doors at CEP. Hydraulic doors provide better control, allowing for more precise management of opening and closing mechanisms, which reduces wear and tear. This upgrade improved safety, decreased downtime, and requires less labor and maintenance. Overall, we are moving away from the need for compressed air systems at our facilities and exploring alternatives where feasible.
2023 achievements at a glance
From doors to cooling components to manufacturing equipment, we thoroughly assessed our operations and identified opportunities for both operational and environmental improvements.
In 2023, we completed 24 onsite solar projects to increase our use of renewable energy, reducing approximately 14,486 metric tons of CO2e annually. Additionally, other energy efficiency projects, such as LED lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning upgrades, and building envelope improvements, are estimated to save over 5,433 metric tons of CO2e annually. Finally, we completed 55 manufacturing and compressed air system improvement projects, resulting in an additional reduction of 6,162 metric tons of CO2e annually from our operations.
In 2019, we introduced the PLANET 2050 environmental sustainability strategy, which includes nine environmental goals to be achieved by 2030, along with additional aspirational targets set for 2050. One of our 2030 goals is to cut absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our facilities and operations by 50%.
Progress on reducing emissions from our facilities and operations
By 2023, Cummins achieved a 31% reduction in total GHG emissions compared to the 2018 baseline. This reduction is equivalent to removing 313,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere.
When excluding recent acquisitions and organic business growth, our GHG reductions show an absolute decrease of 33.5% from the 2018 baseline. We see substantial opportunities to enhance energy efficiency in our newest facilities, and we remain committed to improving the sustainability and efficiency of our operations. Below are some of the project implementations from 2023.
Overall, we invested over $18.8 million in 267 GHG reduction projects, which are expected to save over 29,951 metric tons of CO2e annually. This reduction is comparable to taking about 6,500 cars off the road.
Charleston Turbo Plant equipment upgrades to reduce emissions
In 2023, Cummins’ Charleston Turbo Plant made a meaningful impact on emissions by upgrading its equipment. The plant replaced outdated turret lathes, which are large machines used to shape metal components for turbochargers, with modern equipment. This upgrade not only led to operational improvements but also enhanced energy efficiency and reduced water usage. The new machines also required less downtime and proved to be more reliable.
Upgrades at the Columbus Engine Plant: VFDs and new hydraulic doors
Recent improvements at Cummins’ Columbus Engine Plant (CEP) have also boosted efficiency. CEP is a hub for manufacturing and research and development for many Cummins products, including battery packs, electric driveline components, and heavy-duty machining of heads and blocks for the X15 engine.
The installation of variable frequency drives
CEP installed variable frequency drives (VFDs) that have increased energy efficiency in process coolant. VFDs adjust motor speeds in real-time, reducing unnecessary energy consumption by aligning motor output with demand. Compared to fan cycling methods, these VFDs can cut energy use by up to 87.5%, with an estimated annual savings of nearly 400,000 kWh.
In addition to optimizing operations, the installation of VFDs minimizes wear on process pumps and compressors, enhancing system reliability and extending their lifespan, which also helps reduce energy costs.
Switching from pneumatic doors to hydraulic doors
Another upgrade with significant energy efficiency benefits was the switch from pneumatic automatic sliding doors to hydraulic doors at CEP. Hydraulic doors provide better control, allowing for more precise management of opening and closing mechanisms, which reduces wear and tear. This upgrade improved safety, decreased downtime, and requires less labor and maintenance. Overall, we are moving away from the need for compressed air systems at our facilities and exploring alternatives where feasible.
2023 achievements at a glance
From doors to cooling components to manufacturing equipment, we thoroughly assessed our operations and identified opportunities for both operational and environmental improvements.
In 2023, we completed 24 onsite solar projects to increase our use of renewable energy, reducing approximately 14,486 metric tons of CO2e annually. Additionally, other energy efficiency projects, such as LED lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning upgrades, and building envelope improvements, are estimated to save over 5,433 metric tons of CO2e annually. Finally, we completed 55 manufacturing and compressed air system improvement projects, resulting in an additional reduction of 6,162 metric tons of CO2e annually from our operations.
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