Given the energy-intensive nature of our operations, reducing our carbon footprint is a shared responsibility. Energy efficiency and emissions reduction have been consistent priorities for Covia over the years, and in 2021, we began adding more data-driven analysis to our efforts. We conducted a comprehensive GHG emissions assessment, analyzed the findings and evaluated the trends to determine our biggest climate-related opportunities and risks going forward. In 2022, Team Members contributed to these efforts in unique and meaningful ways.

To enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption, our Ottawa, Minnesota, plant conducted a full energy audit during the year to better understand electricity and fuel use trends at the facility and identify opportunities for improved efficiency. Through the audit, we determined that the existing method of relying on historical energy invoices for tracking consumption lacked the insights needed to help drive meaningful improvements.

Team Members installed a pulse sensor on the electrical meters at the site for more instantaneous feedback and in partnership with local utilities providers, now have access to real-time data, as well as monthly and annual reports.

After developing a baseline from this data, Team Members are able to modify the site’s equipment and processes to avoid peak consumption and drive energy and cost savings. Looking ahead, we plan to conduct similar audits at additional sites to help us better understand ways to reduce our energy needs across our operations.

To advance the collective emissions reduction efforts and help improve grid reliability in times of peak energy use, our Nepheline Syenite Operations (NSO) in Ontario, Canada, participates in the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Global Adjustment and Demand Response program. The program aims to restore the balance between the supply and demand for electricity, helping to offset the shared impacts of increased energy market volatility.

Through the energy-use monitoring and production management systems we have in place, Covia is able to contribute to these meaningful programs without compromising our ability to Deliver on Promise to our customers. or more information about Covia’s Commitment to Addressing Climate Change, visit our 2022 ESG Report.

Covia

Covia

At Covia, we are committed to being more than just a leading provider of high-performance mineral and material solutions – we believe that our company can make a positive difference in the world. This belief is what drives our environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, which is influenced by both our journey as an organization and the events in the world around us.

Our commitment to operating as a responsible corporate citizen has been embedded into every aspect of our business for decades and serves as the foundation for Covia’s ESG initiatives. From our operations to our Team Members and the communities in which we live and work, we continue to define WHAT WE’RE MADE OF as more than the materials we produce, but the impact we can make in every interaction.

In 2021, we enhanced our approach toward accelerating ESG performance by developing our formal GOALS THAT INSPIRE: ESG 2030. These 10 goals, broken into our three core areas - Environmental Stewardship, Positive Social Impact and Responsible Governance & Ethics - were developed by Covia Team members across the company and are designed to drive tangible and measurable progress in areas where we can make the most impact.

We have the commitment and strategy in place to drive meaningful progress and we are pledging to make a positive differences for our people, our planet and our communities.

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