PPG Industries, Eastman Chemical Co., Saint-Gobain Corp. and Ingersoll Rand were among the more than 120 manufacturers recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for making wise investments that reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
PPG Industries, Eastman Chemical Co., Saint-Gobain Corp. and Ingersoll Rand were among the more than 120 manufacturers recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for making wise investments that reduced energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving their bottom lines.
Through the DOE’s “Better Buildings, Better Plants” programme, which is a key cog in President Barack Obama’s efforts to double energy productivity by 2030 while saving businesses money and energy, more than 1,750 plants across the US have saved about USD 1 billion in energy costs and 190 trillion British thermal units, which is equivalent to 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Across the US, manufacturers spend more than USD 200 billion each year to power their plants, according to a DOE release. Through the Better Plants Program, American manufacturers sign a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by about 25% over ten years or thereabouts. To date, participating companies represent almost 8% of the total US manufacturing energy footprint, but consume close to 15% of the US chemical manufacturing sector’s energy use and 23% of energy used across the nation’s transportation equipment manufacturing industry, according to the announcement.
“We are proud to be recognized by the Energy Department as a manufacturer making smart investments to save on energy costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve the company’s bottom line,” says Diane Kappas, PPG’s vice president of environment, health and safety. “PPG continually strives to act in ways that help ensure the longevity and resilience of our business, our environment, and our society.”
PPG, which is based in Pittsburgh, has committed to a series of sustainability goals, including energy intensity and greenhouse gas intensity reduction, spokesman Robert Struble says.
Eastman Chemical Co. was also recognized, after being honoured by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as its Energy Star Partner of the Year earlier this year.
Other companies involved in the programme with glass industry ties include Aloca, 3M, Serious Materials, Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights, Arkema and the Dow Chemical Co.
The “Better Buildings, Better Plants” programme is part of President Obama’s broader Better Buildings Initiative to help American commercial and industrial buildings become at least 20% more energy-efficient over the next ten years. The retrofits are projected to save US businesses USD 40 billion in energy costs, while creating 50,000 jobs, according to the Obama administration.
The Initiative also includes the Better Buildings Challenge through which US companies, universities, school districts and state and local governments have committed to reducing energy use across their building portfolios by 20% or more.