Plant certification events

Throughout the month of April 2015, the 2014 ENERGY STAR certified plants came together to celebrate their achievements in energy efficiency. Three events were held - two hosted by ConAgra Foods and one by CEMEX USA - where representatives of the certified plants gathered to receive recognition from EPA for their accomplishments. Among those attending were EPA representatives, government officials, media, CEO's, plant and utility managers, corporate energy and sustainability managers, and a variety of other plant personnel. For event highlights, please read further.

Highlights

Ogden, Utah event

EPA's Region 8 Administrator, Shaun McGrath attended a celebration held at ConAgra Foods' Ogden, UT cookie and cracker facility. ConAgra hosted representatives from Holcim's Devils Slide cement plant. To learn more about the event, read the Ogden Standard Examiner news article.

"ConAgra Foods is pleased to help EPA celebrate 15 years of ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Earning ENERGY STAR certification recognizes our employees' commitment to operating as efficiently as possible. They have not only delivered energy and cost savings, but have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions – three things that give us reason to celebrate."

-- Marcella Thompson, Director, Sustainable Development, ConAgra Foods

Clinchfield, Georgia event

Clinchfield, Georgia was the site of a second event. The CEMEX Clinchfield Cement Plant hosted representatives from 18 certified plants from the cement, food, and auto industries. Luis Oropeza, CEMEX Executive VP of Cement Operations spoke as well as Councilman William Jackson of Perry, GA.

“This was a great opportunity to meet with other industries and share ideas on energy conservation.”

-- Phillip Williams, Facilities Mechanical Specialist, Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

“Our Holcim plant in Holly Hill has received the award for five consecutive years now. We continue to be committed to continuous improvement in energy efficiency and in reducing our energy consumption in both electrical and thermal. I'm happy to say that not only is Holcim as a company committed to this initiative, but our employees are as well. It is an ongoing process and I appreciate the support we get through the ENERGY STAR Industrial Partnership.”

-- Joe McFalls, Plant Manager, Holcim Holly Hill Plant

South Beloit, Illinois event

The ConAgra Foods' South Beliot, IL event served as a positive forum for energy, sustainability, and supply chain network managers, and for sharing of best practices.

Celebratory events such as these are encouraged within the ENERGY STAR partnership to promote success, provide motivation for continued improvement, and inspire ideas and sharing of best practices in energy management.

“Increasing energy efficiency has been a strength in our supply chain and suppliers like ConAgra Foods keep leading with innovation and results. The ENERGY STAR event and award given by EPA shows the impact of sharing best practice and leadership in the industry."

-- Victoria Zimmerman, McDonald's USA Sustainability

“ENERGY STAR is a great example of government and industry working hand in hand. Recognition events like these is a great way to showcase to communities how we can achieve significant environmental results through superior energy efficiency and strong partnerships."

-- Audrie Washington, EPA's Region 5 ENERGY STAR representative

“It was a pleasure to hear from all the different types of manufacturers and the steps they took to attain the ENERGY STAR certification.”

-- Glenn Harms, Production Supervisor and Sustainability Manager, Oak State Products