Merrillville-based NiSource was recently named to the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the 10th consecutive year.
The designation recognizes the company as a global leader for its environmental and social initiatives and ethical standards.
“We are planning for a sustainable future that includes diverse energy options that will help ensure we meet the needs of those we serve for generations to come,” said Michael Luhrs, NiSource’s executive vice president of strategy and risk and chief commercial officer, in a press release.
NiSource’s recognition is the result of progress toward its 2040 goal of net zero by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations. Net zero means that carbon dioxide emissions due to human activities and removals of these gases are in balance.
NiSource is also on track to replace its coal usage with renewable energy sources by 2028.
“Our focus does not stop here,” said Dan Creekmur, NiSource’s senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. Creekmur added that the company is looking for innovative ways to efficiently deliver energy.
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices measure the performance of companies based on specific criteria. The criteria includes environmental concerns, economic development and inclusion, supply chain standards and risk management. The indices were launched in 1999 as a global sustainability benchmark.
“Earning this designation for an entire decade underscores our longstanding commitment for environmental stewardship and placing our customers, employees and the communities we serve at the forefront of everything we do,” Luhrs said.
NiSource is one of the largest utility companies in the U.S. It serves about 3.3 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers across six states through its Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands.
NIPSCO is one of Indiana's largest natural gas and electric companies, with more than 2,900 employees.
