We strive to uplift and empower the areas where we live, work and serve through charitable giving and volunteer efforts that fuel possibilities, improve communities and grant access to sustainable resources. We are intentionally focused on initiatives that inspire new ways of connecting and transforming the communities where we operate.
We understand the critical role we play in our regional economy and strive to be an active and uplifting participant. In 2024, we invested $175 million in capital spending. The Virginia industrial sector is the second-largest natural gas-consuming segment behind electric power generation. Manufacturing companies, ship building and repair industries, port-related industries and the military utilize natural gas for their energy needs. Virginia Natural Gas proudly serves more than a dozen military installations throughout Hampton Roads.
We are committed to developing long-term, mutually beneficial business partnerships with a broad supplier base that includes small, local and diverse businesses. In 2024, we purchased $59 million of goods and services from small and regional businesses. By broadening our supplier base and employing people located in our service territories, we provide economic benefits to local communities that can last for years.
We have a longstanding commitment to minimizing our environmental impact. We strive to meet or exceed all state and federal laws and regulations, ensuring the protection of diverse habitats within our service areas. From the outset of a project, we make every effort to avoid impacting the environment, such as by rerouting projects around sensitive ecological areas. When impacts are unavoidable, we focus on minimizing them and are dedicated to restoring and mitigating any effects before, during, and after construction. Our goal is to return land, water, and other natural resources to their original conditions. We also seek opportunities to actively rejuvenate natural spaces within our service area. also look for ways to actively rejuvenate natural spaces in our service area. In 2024, we donated a total of $170,000 across multiple projects, including our partnership with the Elizabeth River Project.
We aim to address the essential needs of our customers beyond keeping the lights on. One of the ways we achieve this is through strategic direct investments in our community. Our contributions are concentrated on supporting energy assistance, education, environmental stewardship, and community enrichment.
Our employees are deeply involved in various initiatives, collaborating with local organizations to address community needs and generate positive impacts. We actively encourage our employees to engage in both company-sponsored and personal volunteer efforts, which fosters a sense of teamwork and pride within our organization. As members of the communities we live and work in, volunteering allows us to uphold our commitment to strengthening these communities beyond financial investments. In 2024, VNG employees generously dedicated over 1,150 hours of their time to give back to our communities.
Mariner’s Museum
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation