Project Number:

3313

Green Mountain Coffee Assessment

SERVICE:

Baseline Environmental Assessment

DESCRIPTION:

A bottom-up environmental assessment of the company's North American coffee roasting and k-cup packaging facilities was completed. Tech staff, while working for Green Mountain Coffee, identified third party environmental audit deficiencies, reviewed all historical permit and compliance files, and interviewed site employees. It was clear that the third party audit needed supplemental material. Industry comparisons of Starbucks facilities and other coffee roasting installations with similar equipment, processes and geographic challenges were completed.

Further research of these facilities, combined with the audit material, yielded sufficient information to develop minimum environmental and health and safety standards for a Green Mountain Coffee roasting and packaging facility. These standards incorporated air quality permitting, industrial stormwater management (SWPPP), process wastewater discharge, local land use, hazardous chemical management (Tier II), toxics release inventory (TRI), hazardous waste management programs and spill prevention preparedness (SPCC). Prior to this program each facility developed their own standards as they grew.

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Key Points

  • Following a company-wide assessment, Tech staff identified third party environmental audit deficiencies, reviewed all files, and interviewed site employees.
  • Minimum standards were developed and implemented into staff training.