Dole Teams Up With BECIS in Global ESG Partnership Launch

Dole Sunshine Company takes another significant step towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions with the establishment of the Global ESG Partnership. This unique alliance platform of renewable energy service providers will allow Dole to achieve its 100% renewable energy targets at all of its processing facilities by 2030 and create shared value for all its stakeholders, especially in the local communities by establishing better life-infrastructures.

Dole signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Berkeley Energy Commercial Industrial Solutions (BECIS) to onboard its first environmental, social, and governance (ESG) partner into the alliance. BECIS has installed solar energy sourcing solutions in Dole facilities in Thailand and the Philippines and will expand renewable energy systems installation into Dole's operations.

Yutaka Yamamura, CEO and President, Dole Sunshine Company, said: "The Global ESG Partnership will further accelerate the achievement of the Dole Promise to carbon neutrality together with creating shared value, which is built on the Sampo Yoshi philosophy – better for the buyer, seller and stakeholders, including communities. We believe that working with credible renewable energy partners to provide tangible services that contribute to local lifestyles and build trust will make our local business operations more productive and sustainable."

More partners will subsequently be invited depending on the demands of Dole's local entities. This partnership will allow Dole to clear about 30% of carbon emissions (2019FY base) by 2030, as a significant step towards achieving the Dole Promise announced in 2020.

Hans-Friedrich Zeh, Vice President Global Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Group, Dole Sunshine Company, added: "The Dole business model is highly labour-intensive and largely located in areas where infrastructure is underdeveloped. After operating in the Philippines for over 55 years, we learned that sustainable business growth must coexist with the local community. Therefore, I believe this ESG partnership will also accelerate the development of the other local communities in which Dole operates."

Kunal Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, BECIS, said: "BECIS was established to offer access to distributed energy solutions to high-quality commercial and industrial customers like Dole. We are very pleased to receive the trust of Dole as their ESG Partner and to be supporting them in their journey to Net Zero Carbon Emissions."