Green Plains Inc., headquartered in the United States, is a prominent player in the heavy fuel oil industry. Founded in 2004, the company has established itself as a leader in the production and distribution of renewable fuels, with significant operations across key regions in North America.
Specialising in the production of high-quality ethanol and other renewable energy products, Green Plains stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company’s core offerings include fuel-grade ethanol, which is essential for blending with gasoline, and various co-products that enhance its market appeal.
With a strong market position, Green Plains has achieved notable milestones, including strategic partnerships and expansions that bolster its operational capabilities. As a forward-thinking entity in the heavy fuel oil sector, Green Plains continues to drive advancements in renewable energy solutions.
+11 vs industry average
Green Plains’s score of 28 is higher than 60% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Heavy Fuel Oil has above-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Heavy Fuel Oil industry has reduced its overall emissions by 23% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2026
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Green Plains's reported carbon emissions
Green Plains, a company in the Heavy Fuel Oil industry based in the US, has made significant commitments to reducing its carbon footprint. For the reporting year 2023, Green Plains reported total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of approximately 3.8 billion kg CO2e, comprising Scope 1 emissions of about 1.2 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 366 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of around 2.5 billion kg CO2e.
In 2022, total emissions were approximately 4.4 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 1.25 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 at around 357 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 2.85 billion kg CO2e.
For the 2021 reporting year, Green Plains' total emissions were roughly 3.8 billion kg CO2e, including Scope 1 at about 1.1 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 at approximately 338 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at around 2.3 billion kg CO2e.
Looking back to 2020, Scope 1 emissions were approximately 1.18 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 2 emissions were about 348 million kg CO2e. In 2019, Scope 1 emissions stood at approximately 1.32 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 2 at around 527 million kg CO2e. For 2018, Scope 1 emissions were a substantial 4.79 billion kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions were approximately 652 million kg CO2e. In 2017, Scope 1 emissions were around 1.86 billion kg CO2e, and in 2016, they were approximately 1.93 billion kg CO2e. The company reported Scope 1 emissions of about 1.5 billion kg CO2e for 2015.
Green Plains has established a long-term goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2050. Furthermore, the company has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 37.8% by 2030 from a 2021 base year, as part of its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments. This also includes a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 22.5% within the same timeframe. These SBTi targets are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C.
Additionally, Green Plains aims for a 20% reduction in GHG emissions from a 2005 baseline by 2030 to operate above certain capacities under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate. The company is also engaged in projects to capture and store biogenic carbon dioxide, with an anticipated completion date of 2024 for certain biorefineries, aimed at lowering their carbon intensity.
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Green Plains’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2050
Green Plains has set ambitious GHG reduction goals, with a p…
Green Plains has set ambitious GHG reduction goals, with a path to carbon-neutral operations by 2050.
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
7 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Green Plains
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Green Plains’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Data year: 2023
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