HORSHAM, PA. — The Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Bimbo Bakeries USA as a 2018 Energy Star Partner of the Year in recognition of the company’s commitment to energy management strategy and leadership in the baking industry.
“Bimbo Bakeries USA has always strived to be leaders in sustainability and minimize our carbon footprint,” said Fred Penny, president of Bimbo Bakeries USA. “We are proud that those efforts have been recognized by the E.P.A., and we are honored to be named an Energy Star Partner of the Year.”
Bimbo Bakeries was recognized by the E.P.A. for several key accomplishments during 2017, including:
• Achieving an energy intensity improvement of 1.5% over 2016 and contributing to a 3% improvement since 2015, all while saving enough energy equivalent to produce more than 40 million loaves of bread.
• Earning Energy Star certification at 14 of the company’s bakeries.
• Achieving the goals of the Energy Star Challenge for Industry recognition at 11 bakeries since 2013 — the most in the commercial baking industry.
• Investing more than $7 million in energy efficiency projects in its bakeries, depots and retail centers.
• Pioneering the use of bio-digestion systems to produce bio gas that has generated more than $750,000 in energy savings.
“We seek to actively exceed expectations of environmentally conscious audiences,” said Ramon Rivera, senior vice-president of operations at Bimbo Bakeries USA. “We have implemented programs across the country to improve water, power and energy savings, reduce air emissions and manage waste using an environmentally responsible system.”
Bimbo Bakeries’ parent company, Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., earlier this month signed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Chicago-based Invenergy, an independent renewable energy company. Grupo Bimbo will receive 100 megawatts of wind energy in the agreement that also will deliver social and economic benefits related to Invenergy’s Santa Rita East wind farm in Texas. The company said it expects to reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by 260,000 tons annually through the agreement.
Bimbo Bakeries is one of 15 companies that will be recognized as a 2018 Energy Star Partner of the Year in the area of energy management. Also being recognized will be The Kroger Co., Cincinnati.
“The 2018 Energy Star Partners of the Year have demonstrated real leadership, showing how American families and businesses can save energy, save money, and reduce air emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, assistant administrator for air and radiation at the E.P.A.
