The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the first group of manufacturing sites that have met the Energy Star Challenge for Industry and reduced their energy intensity by 10 percent within 5 years. 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. Under the umbrella of the Energy Star Challenge for Industry, the EPA is working with individual manufacturing sites and their parent companies to fight climate change and save money through improvements in energy efficiency.

The first manufacturing facilities owned by Energy Star partners to meet or exceed the 10-percent-reduction goal within 5 years under the Energy Star Challenge for Industry are:

• 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, Mich.: 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 & Son Inc.’s Garysburg, N.C., facility: 23-percent reduction (2008-2009)
• FetterGroup’s Headquarters Facility in Louisville, Ky.: 23-percent reduction (2007-2009)

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 can participate in the challenge. Trade associations and regional energy-efficiency programs also can join with the EPA to promote the program. The International Dairy Foods Association, Energy Trust of Oregon, and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund have signed up to promote the Energy Star Challenge for Industry to their members and partners.

To learn more about the Energy Star Challenge for Industry, visit www.energystar.gov/industrychallenge.