United States Cold Storage (USCS), a leader in temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics across North America, plays a critical role in supporting the food and pharmaceutical industries. With a network of strategically located facilities nationwide, USCS operates with a deep commitment to operational excellence and corporate responsibility. As part of the Swire Group, USCS has embraced ambitious ESG goals, including reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reducing energy intensity by 20% by 2025.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, USCS sought to accelerate its progress toward its ESG goals but faced common industry hurdles. Their operations teams—while deeply knowledgeable in logistics—were tasked with managing RFPs and energy initiatives without dedicated sustainability expertise. As a result, efforts were sometimes focused on less strategic sites, slowing momentum and impacting overall impact. USCS recognized the need for a more informed, strategic approach to streamline and prioritize high-value opportunities.
In collaboration with ESA, USCS embarked on a portfolio-wide evaluation to identify the most effective decarbonization pathways. ESA assessed a range of clean energy options including on-site solar, virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), green tariffs, and community solar. Through this process, ten optimal sites for on-site solar were identified, and a scalable off-site VPPA framework was developed.
The result was a clear and actionable sustainability roadmap that USCS presented to their board for 2024 planning and 2025 implementation. Beyond the roadmap, USCS gained critical internal tools and knowledge—from solar project lifecycle insights to cost modeling and prioritization frameworks—that will support long-term, informed decision-making.
Through this strategic partnership, USCS strengthened its sustainability foundation, accelerating progress toward its goals while building internal capacity for continued success. Together, ESA and USCS demonstrated how collaboration and targeted expertise can unlock impactful, portfolio-wide clean energy solutions.
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