According to EPA, the U.S. manufacturing industry is responsible for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and spends almost $100 billion annually on energy. If the energy efficiency of industrial facilities improved by 10 percent, EPA estimates that Americans would save nearly $10 billion and reduce greenhouse gases emissions equal to about 12 million vehicles.
Under the Energy Star Challenge for Industry, manufacturing sites establish an energy intensity baseline, set a 10 percent reduction goal, implement energy efficiency projects, track energy use and verify their savings. Any U.S. manufacturing site may participate in the Energy Star Challenge for Industry. Trade associations and regional energy efficiency programs also can join with EPA to promote the Energy Star Challenge for Industry.
Meeting the Challenge
EPA recognized the following facilities for meeting the Energy Star Challenge for Industry:
- Kodak's Manitou site in Rochester, N.Y.: 25 percent reduction (2007-2009)
- Kodak’s GCG Columbus manufacturing site in Columbus, Ga.: 10 percent reduction (2007-2008)
- Shearer's Foods Inc.’s Lubbock, Texas plant: 15 percent reduction (2009-2010)
- Detroit Diesel’s Redford Component Manufacturing Center in Detroit: 17 percent reduction (2008-2009)
- John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.’s Elgin Headquarters facility in Elgin, Ill.: 17 percent reduction (2008-2009)
- John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.’s Selma, Texas, facility: 26 percent reduction (2008-2009)
- John B. Sanfilippo & So, Inc.’s Garysburg, N.C., facility: 23 percent reduction (2008-2009)
- FetterGroup’s Headquarters Facility in Louisville, Ky.: 23 percent reduction (2007-2009)
Total annual energy savings for these companies are equal to the energy needed to power all the homes on the island of Nantucket for a year. Annual carbon dioxide savings are nearly 34,000 metric tons – equal to the emissions from nearly 6,500 cars.
According to EPA, hundreds of industrial companies across nearly a dozen manufacturing industries are working with the Energy Star program to develop strong energy management programs, earn the Energy Star for their facilities and achieve breakthrough improvements in energy efficiency.
Learn more about the Energy Star Challenge for Industry by visiting http://www.energystar.gov/industrychallenge.