Energy Star Challenge
For a number of years, the Energy Star logo has appeared on household appliances that demonstrate a measurable savings in energy usage. When the Environmental Protection Agency extended the program to include industry, the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) saw an opportunity for dairy processors to be recognized for their energy savings and commitment to the environment, according to IDFA’s Peggy Armstrong in Wednesday’s DairyLine.
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, Armstrong reported. Through this program, EPA estimates that Americans could save nearly $10 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to about 12 million vehicles.
“Through a partnership with EPA, we established the Energy Star Challenge for dairy,” Armstrong said, “Which is different than the broader Challenge.” IDFA, not EPA, will be the point of contact to sign up, she said, and we will track who succeeds and convey that to EPA. IDFA advocates for increased energy efficiency in U.S. dairy processing facilities. EPA provides expertise, training, energy management guidance and management tools, she said.
Working with members, IDFA has already taken the first step and identified energy-intensity metrics that will be used within the dairy processing industry.
Facilities that join the dairy program and achieve a 10 percent reduction in energy intensity within 5 years are recognized by the EPA and earn a certificate from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, a profile on the ENERGY STAR web site, letters from EPA to the company’s CEO and to the plant’s US Senators and Congressional Representatives highlighting their accomplishments, and materials for communicating the site’s ENERGY STAR Challenge achievement to employees, stakeholders, customers, and others.
“We’re excited about the potential for real, measurable energy efficiencies this program offers,” Armstrong concluded. “Participation is open to all dairy processing facilities.” For more information; log on to www.idfa.org.