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Mars and Clean Electricity: A Sustainable Future

Mars, Incorporated is taking significant strides toward a sustainable future by signing its first clean energy contracts in the United States with Enel North America. This partnership is part of Mars' ambitious Renewable Acceleration program, designed to shift the company from fossil fuels to renewable energy across its entire value chain. This strategy aims to cover every aspect of Mars' operations, from the agricultural farms producing raw ingredients to the delivery trucks transporting products, ultimately reaching consumers enjoying their favorite Mars products at home.

The Renewable Acceleration initiative is projected to reduce Mars' total carbon emissions by about 10% by 2030, measured against a baseline year of 2015. By adopting this proactive approach, Mars is not only enhancing its sustainability efforts but also encouraging other corporations to follow suit in pursuing renewable energy solutions.

Kevin Rabinovitch, Mars' Global VP of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Many large companies are sourcing renewable energy for their operations, but that's only part of the equation. For Mars, Renewable Acceleration serves as a performance accelerator, enabling us to cut emissions at a scale and speed unattainable by traditional methods. The higher the demand we create together for renewables, the more swiftly we can pave the way for a cleaner future. Clean energy promotes cleaner air and a better quality of life for all stakeholders."

Globally, Mars operations consume approximately 2 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to the yearly energy usage of The Bahamas. However, when extending this usage to include its entire value chain, the demand virtually skyrockets to 8-9 TWh, comparable to Estonia's annual consumption. This staggering statistic illustrates the potential impact that a comprehensive renewable strategy can have on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mars' recent agreement with Enel North America marks one of the most significant power purchase agreement transactions for a corporate customer and represents Mars' largest clean energy contract to date. The trio of contracts with Enel is anticipated to generate 1.8 TWh of renewable energy each year, thus avoiding roughly 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions annually. Notably, this partnership allows Mars to benefit from the entire output generated by Enel’s solar plants located in Texas, implementing a sustainable solar grazing technique by managing vegetation with sheep grazing, establishing a dual-use practice in the U.S.A.

Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America, acknowledged the boldness of Mars’ sustainability strategy, stating: "Renewable Acceleration is an essential initiative for increasing clean energy capacity, which is critical for decarbonization. Mars sets a high standard for corporate sustainability by addressing emissions comprehensively throughout its value chain. Enel is thrilled to collaborate with Mars as they launch this transformative program."

As Mars continues to sign additional contracts, it anticipates that the Renewable Acceleration strategy will significantly contribute to reducing its carbon footprint by 2030. This initiative is also intertwined with Mars' broader sustainability efforts, which aim to combat deforestation, advocate for climate-smart agricultural practices, enhance transport efficiency, and embed sustainability throughout its operations.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned business with a market valuation of around $55 billion. It encompasses a diverse array of products, from leading pet care brands like ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, and CESAR®, to renowned snacking and food brands such as DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS®, and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. The company also oversees an international network of veterinary services, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, and others, illustrating its commitment to pet health and well-being.

The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—guide its 150,000 Associates as they strive to build a better world for people, pets, and the planet. For further details about Mars, visit www.mars.com. You can also connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.