CONSOL Energy, a Canonsburg-based producer and exporter of high-Btu bituminous thermal coal and metallurgical coal, recently announced its direct operating greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets as part of its Forward Progress sustainability initiative.
“We are excited to be among the first pure play coal companies to set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets,” Dan Connell, CONSOL senior vice president of strategy, said. “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to sustainability, complements our technology, growth, and diversification initiatives and exemplifies the alignment of CONSOL’s strategy and ESG (environmental, social and governance) management approach.”
The company’s interim goal is to reduce emissions on an absolute basis by half over a five-year period. This is compared to 2019 baseline levels and measured as the rate of carbon dioxide equivalents emitted.
The reduction will be achieved through the expansion of the methane destruction program, operational efficiency efforts, energy management and other initiatives.
The company also announced long-term efforts to achieve net zero direct operating greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 or sooner. The long-term targets will be informed by the company’s strategic initiatives and partnerships, and multiple company-wide initiatives.
CONSOL’s flagship operation is the Pennsylvania Mining Complex. It can produce approximately 28.5 million tons of coal annually when at full capacity.