Energy Star Challenge
Several years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenged the manufacturing industry. Challenging them all to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities. The challenge moreover is by 10 percent or more within five years. Since that time, 240 manufacturing sites have responded to the Energy Star Challenge. A challenge for Industry and 34 sites has improved their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more. These energy efficiency improvements prevent harmful greenhouse gas emissions and protect the health of Americans.
On average, plants that met this challenge reduced their energy intensity by 19 percent within an average of two years. More than 100 plants have taken the challenge twice in a row, achieving reductions of more than 10 percent each time. Together, these plants have prevented more than 17 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere and saved more than $443 million in energy costs.
“Tackling the climate crisis requires everyone coming together to reduce pollution, and our industry partners have shown that we can accomplish this while improving energy efficiency and achieving millions in cost savings in the process,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Companies that have met the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry have demonstrated the business case for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency. Therefore, we encourage more companies to accept the challenge. Finally and help America transition to a clean energy future.”
Energy Efficiency
Both small and large manufacturing facilities have met the milestone and have prevented nearly 119,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. In addition, demonstrating that efficiency opportunities exist across all sectors of industry. For that’s including aerospace and food processing. Also pharmaceuticals and motor vehicle manufacturing. Many of these sites also report that savings were achieved at low cost. Then by strengthening energy management practices and improving operations. All with help from EPA’s Energy Star program.
To Date
Over 800 manufacturing companies, from large to small. Combined, all are partners with ENERGY STAR. Companies join the ENERGY STAR industrial partnership to:
- Demonstrate a commitment to energy management
- Strengthen their energy program through coaching and mentoring
- Learn from leading energy managers and their programs
- Gain access to partner events and meetings
Also in 2010 the US EPA launched the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry (Challenge) to encourage manufacturing plants to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing energy intensity by 10% or more within 5 years or less.
Since then:
I have to say, the best part are the results from this program. Let’s start with 1,877 baselines have been registered by plants taking the Challenge. In addition, 580 plants have achieved the Challenge for Industry goal of a 10% reduction in energy intensity. Moreover, 100 plants have achieved the Challenge two times. Most importantly, 92 Trillion BTUs of energy consumption have been avoided by plants achieving the Challenge. Most interestingly, 17 Million Metric Tons of GHG emissions (CO2e) have been prevented by plants achieving the Challenge. Finally, $443+ million in energy costs have been saved; yet 19% average reduction in energy intensity within 2 years.
In addition, ENERGY STAR partners benefit from a strong network of industrial energy managers.
All who share best practices and practical advice across industries. Most importantly, in a non-competitive and no-sell environment.
The ENERGY STAR partnership is open to any manufacturing company with operations in the United States. As a voluntary program, there are no fees, legal commitments, nor reporting requirements for Partners.
In conclusion, to learn more about the ENERGY STAR Industrial Partnership, please contact energystrategy@energystar.gov for more information. Finally, click here to Join the ENERGY STAR Industrial Partnership.
Source: USEPA
