Defining Our Path Forward Sustainably
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO, WATT R. FOSTER, JR. :
Fueling the Commitment to Our Corporate Culture, Community, and Conservation
As fuel suppliers, we have a firsthand view of policymakers’ impact as we all come together to approach solving the climate crisis. When Foster Fuels was founded in 1921, my grandfather and his business partners developed the foundation of our company with a constant eye for innovation for the benefit of our community — our people. Our company’s efforts have amplified through years of growth, increased community involvement and giving back.
If my dad and I were sitting at our favorite fishing spot by the river today, I’m sure he’d say that this “new” focus on sustainability is just good old management practices rebranded. Our business practices align with environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy, a set of standards that assess our performance on various environmental sustainability issues, among other things.
After reviewing our carbon footprint and auditing our business practices, we’ve affirmed we are headed in the right direction. After reviewing our carbon footprint and auditing our business practices, we’ve affirmed we are headed in the right direction, and will continue taking initiative to do better- because we can always do better and be better as we continue to pave our path forward in a sustainable way.
As we aim for cleaner energy, the transition will present challenges. We established the Foster Green Task Force, built from team members with insight from across the company. Their mission is to offer sustainable market solutions and cultivate industry partnerships to provide renewable energy products. The end goal is to reduce our net carbon footprint and help our partners achieve the same success.
In 2022, we delivered net-zero renewable diesel in a volume that equated to the same carbon reduction as turning off all residential lights throughout the State of New York for just under 19 hours. We hired an independent third party to assess our carbon footprint and are pleased to see the impact our family has had by placing land in conservation since 2010.
In addition to reviewing our external impact, we’ve also taken a magnifying glass view of our business practices and operations to ensure we are making the most vital sustainability commitments to the environment, our people, and the governance of our company.
With this in mind, I am proud to present our 2022-23 ESG Impact Review, which outlines the actionable progress that fuels our sustainability efforts. Thank you for being part of our journey!
-Watt
Watt R. Foster, Jr.
Where are our efforts currently focused?
Foster President and CEO Watt R. Foster, Jr. has always been passionate about conserving wildlife while growing preservation and awareness. Foster promotes the housing of bluebirds (that were once endangered) and wood ducks on his properties throughout Central Virginia. The goal is to give them safe places to live while supporting local entrepreneur Chris Russell’s “For the Birds” hand-built bird habitats.
Together, they are supporting a better environment for animals to thrive. Foster is the steward of 1,400 acres in conservation easements and is a licensed erosion and sediment control responsible land distributor. Cover Crop is grown and scheduled according to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Organization best practices recommendations.
The Foster Green Task Force was established with a mission to evaluate existing and potential sustainability efforts and develop plans to implement internal and external sustainability education and actions. Foster Green Task Force evaluates internal DEI and CSR measures, with audit procedures in place with an international independent reporting firm.
As a fuel provider, Foster Fuels has integrated high-quality, cost-effective lower carbon fuels (LCF) into distributed products, expanding renewable energy solutions in its day-to-day operations. We’ve cultivated industry partnerships providing education about and access to renewable energy products that reduce the net carbon footprint.
Through research, connections, and industry-leading expertise, the task force will impact the larger greenhouse initiatives and reduce Foster Fuels’ and its partnered businesses’ carbon footprint. For example, Foster Fuels was the first fuel supplier to offer a renewable alternative to diesel called HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil on the East Coast of the U.S.
Many Foster employees volunteer regularly. In 2022, Foster Fuels started a volunteer program to recognize our employees’ commitment to making the community such an excellent place to live. Employees who reach 100 service hours a year will receive $1,000 donated by the foundation to the charity of their choice. Places employees volunteer include churches, ministries, non-profits, Foster Fuels’ coat drive, food drive, blood donations, volunteer fire dept, board membership, volunteer EMS and more.
Key Assessment Points
As we define our path forward, we will evaluate key assessment points to refine our focus on what matters with the goal of continued Net-Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with a goal of Net-Zero Scope 3 emissions by 2030.
Sustainability Initiatives – Our assessment will examine how we take responsibility for what we do as a company and what we provide for our customers and the community.
Product Sources – We are aware of existing innovative energy alternatives. However, there is limited oversight on what is being marketed. As a company, we are devoted to doing our due diligence to ensure our products are sourced ethically. We will stand by what we deliver.
Transport – As experts in our industry, we know logistics, and we know trucks. We will embrace innovation to reduce carbon output in our transportation of products.
In-House & Independent Product Research – With limited data on the impact of changes in alternative options, we focus on additional testing and sustainable fuel research to ensure the blends, additives and lubrication are optimal for use and GHG impact.
Employee Inclusion – Our company is made by the people who work here and their families. We strive to instill a sense of purposefulness in them as people who work for a company that cares about them and the environment. We also want to create opportunities for our employees to showcase their passion and enable them to make a difference in their world.
Community Engagement – As experts in the fueling industry, we want to provide the education and tools for our community to come together in a united effort to reduce carbon emissions while keeping our community moving.
2022 – 2023 ESG Report
At Foster Fuels, we take pride in our commitment to sustainability and are driven by our need to make a difference in our community and on the environment as a whole. Check out our 2022 – 2023 ESG Report to learn more about our sustainability efforts. Click here to download it today!
You can also check out our HVO blog and HVO carbon calculator.
What Our Customers Say
Just a quick comment about the customer service I receive anytime I need help from your store in Rustburg on route 29. WD Holland has been extremely great at taking care of me and my family. He’s a professional courteous and always willing to help either with a purchase or just a simple question. Dale also is right there with him willing to help. These men are for sure the face of Foster Fuels!
I would like to especially commend your employees Jonathan and Brandon for their courtesy and for their expertise in installing the tank where I wanted and for not damaging nearby plantings and shed. They were friendly and always most professional. I look forward to dealing with Foster Fuels in the future in large part due to the quality of your employees. Thank you.
Called last Tuesday to have Mike come out and look about adding a new tank. He came out Thursday. New Tank delivered this Tuesday and filled first thing this AM! Always a pleasure working with them! Polite staff and crew and always go above and beyond! Thank you for superior service!