PBF Energy 2024 Sustainability Report Spotlight: Energy, Waste and Water Resource Management

Originally published in PBF Energy's 2024 Sustainability Report

NEW RENEWABLE DIESEL UNIT POWERS FORWARD TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In 2023, PBF Energy completed the successful startup of the Saint Bernard Renewables (SBR) business, marking a significant milestone in our offering of lower-carbon fuels. SBR, a joint venture partnership between PBF Energy and Enilive S.p.A., is an operating biorefinery consisting of a pre-treatment unit and a renewable diesel unit (RDU), with a production capacity of 306 million gallons per year of renewable diesel. This state-of-the-art facility, fully operational as of June 2023, demonstrates PBF Energy’s continued commitment to deliver diversified sources of energy to customers while lowering the carbon intensity of its products.

Located within our Chalmette refinery, the SBR RDU is designed to convert organic feedstocks, such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and seed oils, into high-quality renewable diesel. This drop-in fuel is chemically similar to petroleum diesel but offers lower lifecycle GHG emissions, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of both PBF Energy and our customers.

With a production capacity of 840,000 gallons per day, SBR positions PBF Energy as a leading producer of renewable diesel in the United States. The RDU leverages advanced hydroprocessing technology, which enables feedstock flexibility while maintaining the high-energy density and performance characteristics of traditional diesel that customers demand.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

The RDU plays a critical role in PBF Energy’s broader resiliency strategy. Its operation demonstrates PBF Energy’s commitment to the innovations that will play a crucial part in the energy of the future. Since coming online, SBR has converted hundreds of millions of gallons of organic feedstocks into high-quality renewable diesel. The resulting renewable diesel meets stringent environmental standards, including the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Renewable Fuel Standard, and also supports waste reuse, cleaner air, and healthier communities.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the RDU contributes positively to the local economy. The project supported over 200 jobs during its construction phase and has created approximately 20 direct refinery positions and an estimated 90 new, indirect jobs within the St. Bernard Parish and region.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT

Our RDU is an infrastructure investment that clearly demonstrates our purpose-driven approach to energy. By integrating next generation fuels into our operations, PBF Energy is creating long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing to a resilient energy future.

"Closing this strategic partnership with Eni Sustainable Mobility, a global leader in biorefining, demonstrates our commitment to delivering diversified sources of energy to our customers, while lowering the carbon intensity of the products we manufacture."
Matthew Lucey
At time of quote, serving as PBF Energy President

WASTE MANAGEMENT

PBF Energy is committed to the continuous reduction of waste generated through our operations. Our refineries prioritize source reduction efforts and comprehensive materials management to ensure all waste is safely, efficiently, and responsibly handled. Our approach includes various recycling and reuse initiatives, including our successful catalyst recycling program in which catalysts containing recoverable metals, such as molybdenum and platinum, are sent for regeneration or reclamation. In 2024, this process diverted over 3.9 million pounds of catalyst metals from landfill, generating cost savings and helping build operational resilience. PBF Energy has a comprehensive waste segregation program at each of our refineries, ensuring that hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are properly stored, managed, and disposed to ensure safe, efficient handling, maintain regulatory compliance, and reduce risk of environmental impact.

Our refineries further demonstrate responsible waste management through the use of the Oil-Bearing Hazardous Secondary Material (OBHSM) exemption program. Through this program, oil product is recovered from oil-bearing materials otherwise destined to be waste, helping to maximize yield while minimizing waste generation. In 2024, over 10 million pounds of OBHSM was sent for product recovery, reducing the environmental impact of PBF Energy’s products while underscoring our continued dedication to the efficient use of resources.

In addition to the recycling of process waste, our refineries also recover construction materials. In 2024, we recycled approximately 3.5 million pounds of scrap metal, 1.4 million pounds of concrete, and 0.2 million pounds of asphalt. These materials are able to be reused in infrastructure and manufacturing projects, reducing landfill impact and conserving natural resources.

TOTAL WASTE GENERATED AND RECYCLED

*Waste generated can fluctuate year over year based on scheduled annual cleanings and maintenance.

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

We take a holistic approach to water resource management in our operations through responsible use and conservation initiatives to drive efficiency and minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. We track water use, consumption, and discharge across our operations and use this data to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. Where possible, we prioritize water reuse for cleaning, cooling, and other non-potable processes. Through monitoring, recycling, and treatment efforts, we work to ensure our operations meet all regulatory requirements for water use and discharge and support the vitality of local water systems.

TOTAL FRESHWATER WITHDRAWN

*Source is WRI aqueduct. The year 2022 does not include Delaware as it was not yet considered a water stressed area. As of 2023, Delaware is considered a water stressed area.

To learn more about PBF Energy's commitment to sustainability, visit our sustainability webpage. 

For full details about PBF Energy's 2024 Sustainability Report, visit here. 

About PBF Energy Inc.
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities in California, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio. Our mission is to operate our facilities in a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible manner, provide employees with a safe and rewarding workplace, become a positive influence in the communities where we do business, and provide superior returns to our investors.

PBF Energy is also a 50% partner in the St. Bernard Renewables joint venture focused on the production of next generation sustainable fuels.