In 2018, we implemented projects that resulted in a reduction of over 8,900 metric tons of GHG emissions from our manufacturing operations.
As established from our 2011 base year, our goal is to implement projects that reduce GHG emissions by 92,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) by 2020. In 2018, we implemented projects that resulted in a reduction of over 8,900 metric tons of GHG emissions from our domestic manufacturing operations, reaching 67 percent of our goal when combined with our progress since 2012. Of the total GHG emissions, direct GHG emissions were approximately 31 percent and indirect GHG emissions were approximately 69 percent. Normalized GHG emissions for manufacturing plants were 0.289 metric tons of CO2-e per ton of products sold, up 1 percent from the prior-year level. We expect to meet our GHG emissions reduction goal in 2020 as we work with our partners to bring a 74 MW renewable wind field online.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
We support the renewable energy markets by subscribing to community solar gardens at five manufacturing locations, including a co-sponsorship with Westar Energy for its first community solar garden near Wichita, Kan., where we manufacture most of our Hormel®Natural Choice® bacon products.
We look forward to continuing our support of renewable energy through additional solar power initiatives and the addition of a 74 MW renewable wind field that will be brought online in 2020.