Take the Energy Star Challenge

Since 2006, more than 3,000 companies and organizations have joined the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Challenge to use energy more efficiently and to control or cut energy costs. The goal is to reduce bakery or company energy use by 10% over 5 years. There is no penalty if the target is missed and excellent recognition if the target is met. Here are some resources that all baking companies can make use of in meeting their Energy Star goals.

Energy Star Challenge for Industry:

Steps for participation
Energy tracking plan
Energy tracking tool helps establish production-based energy intensity metrics, set goals, and track performance
Industry challenge registration letter
Application for recognition of completion of challenge.

Many tools are available to implement the program, including the Energy Management for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers portal.

The Facility Energy Management Assessment Matrix is a fill-in-the-blank spreadsheet with examples that can be tailored to the particular food company.

The Energy Star Cookie and Cracker Baking Plant Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) enables bakeries to compare their energy performance to similar bakeries operating in the United States.

For more information on the Energy Star Challenge for Industry, contact Walt Tunnessen, national program manager for EPA’s Energy Star program, at (202) 343 9965 or tunnessen.walt@epa.gov.