6
MDU RESOURCES G ROUP, INC.
agencies and officials, conservation
Montana-Dakota also participates in the
providing a safe working environment and
groups and industry dedicated to
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
safe work practices for all employees. The
developing sound, science-based policy
Voluntary SF6 Emission Reduction Program.
industries in which we work are physical
and practices for sage grouse protection
Sulfur hexafluoride is an inert gas used as
and demanding, but we are committed
and enhancement.
an insulator in electrical equipment. It has
to a zero-accident safety culture.
been implicated as a potent greenhouse
We also have made a number of
Our corporate Diversity Council focuses
gas. Montana-Dakota reduced its emissions
commitments related to reducing
on ensuring an inclusive environment for
of SF6 from equipment leaks by 31 percent
greenhouse gas emissions. Our electric
all people. Our diversity statement says,
in 2006.
operations, which are part of
"MDU Resources Group, Inc. is committed
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., emitted
As part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse
to an inclusive environment that
1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide from
gas emissions while also continuing to
recognizes, respects and engages the
owned electric generating facilities in
meet the electric needs of its customers,
differences and embraces the strengths
2006. Montana-Dakota also owns part
Montana-Dakota recently constructed
in its employees, customers, suppliers
of two other electric generating facilities
a wind farm near Baker, Montana.
and communities to accomplish the vision,
that emitted an estimated 1.8 million tons
Construction was completed in early
mission and values of the corporation."
of carbon dioxide emissions in 2006.
2008 on the Diamond Willow Wind Farm.
As we define it, diversity is social
The $40 million project includes 13,
inclusiveness, where we recognize and
Through a Memorandum of Understanding
1.5-megawatt wind turbines. Another
respect the differences of our life
between the Edison Electric Institute and
10.5 megawatts of wind electric generation
experiences, work experiences, education,
the Department of Energy, Montana-
is planned at the site by 2015.
perspectives, cultures, ethnicity, gender,
Dakota has committed to reducing carbon
age and all other aspects of life that make
Commitment to people
dioxide emission intensity by 3 percent
everyone unique.
Our sustainability report also addresses
to 5 percent by 2010.
social responsibility. We describe our
We also promote employee development
Montana-Dakota has been active in
commitment to our employees, our customers,
through a formal mentoring program,
researching options for carbon dioxide
our communities and our shareholders.
internships, in-house training programs,
capture, sequestration and beneficial uses.
From charitable contributions to hiring
training and education tuition assistance,
The company has been a member of the
practices, the report defines our approach
and a number of other programs.
Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership since
to taking care of people.
its inception in 2003. The partnership
Many of our employees devote significant
pools resources to examine potential uses
We outline our employment philosophies
time and energy in volunteering to help
of carbon dioxide within the company's
and policies, as well as commitments we
causes they admire, and MDU Resources
service territory.
have made to our employees. First and
encourages a sense of community spirit,
foremost, MDU Resources is dedicated to
even providing an annual award that
$1.9
our commitments
$1.8
commitments
$1.2
$1.1
social
environment
$.8
Fair hiring and employment practices
Minimize waste and maximize
■
■
resources
Safety culture focused on zero accidents
■
Support and comply with laws
■
Support employee development
■
and regulations
and growth
03
04
05
06
07
Mitigate environmental impacts
■
mdu resources
foundation donations
(millions)
