Earlier this week, Mercury Marine released its 2019/2020 Sustainability Report, which according to a press release from the Fond du Lac, Wis., marine engine and accessories giant “confirmed the accomplishment” of several sustainability goals by the end of 2019 and announced targets for the next decade.

In the release, Mercury Marine president Chris Drees described 2019 as a “truly pivotal year.”

While continuing to offer more advanced, efficient and environmentally friendly products, Mercury Marine met its 2019 sustainability goals. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix/speedonthewater.com.

 “It marked the achievement of goals across the four pillars of our sustainability mission: Energy, Environment, Product and People,” said Drees. “While many of these targets were established in the last few years, others were set as many as ten years ago

“With the achievement of our 2019 goals and a variety of lessons learned along the way, we have established new and ambitious goals that will challenge us to enhance our sustainability for years to come,” he added.

According to the report, the company achieved the following sustainability goals by the end of 2019:

• A 45-percent decrease in global energy use, from 1.7 trillion BTUs in 2005 to 968 billion BTUs.

• A 35-percent reduction in global water usage, from 295 million gallons in 2005 to 193 million gallons.

• A 58-percent reduction in the generation of hazardous waste, from 297 tons in 2005 to 126 tons.

• A 76-percent reduction of outboard‑engine emissions, from 66.42 grams of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (HC+NOx) per kilowatt hour in 2005 to 15.80 grams.

• A 69-percent reduction of sterndrive‑ and inboard‑engine emissions, from 16.00 grams of HC+NOx per kilowatt hour in 2005 to 4.96 grams.

• Steady annual increases in employee engagement in charitable causes, including financial contributions, donations of goods and volunteer time , as well as in health and wellness programs.

“We view the accomplishment of our decade‑long goals as more of a checkpoint than a final destination,” said Scott Louks, the company’s  sustainability manager, in the release. “Our dedication to sustainability and our work in support of that mission continue.”

Mercury Marine continues to view efficient production through the lens of sustainability.

Under each of its four pillar of sustainability, Mercury Marine established the following goals to be achieved by the end of 2025:

Energy

• Reduce energy consumption by 25 percent in comparison to a 2016 baseline. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

• Derive 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources. Deadline: year‑end 2030.

Environment

• Reduce water consumption by 25 percent in comparison to a 2016 baseline. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

• Designate 50 percent of global distribution centers and warehouse operations as “zero waste to landfill” facilities. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

Product

• Reduce outboard emissions by 80 percent in comparison to 2005 levels. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

• Reduce sterndrive emissions by 70 percent in comparison to 2005 levels. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

People

• Engage 75 percent of employees in health assessments. Deadline: year‑end 2025.

• Engage 50 percent or more of employees in 16 hours of volunteer service per year through 2025.

•Improve employee engagement survey results by five points by the end of 2025.

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