Better Plants Program reduces CO2 emissions by 11 million t

At the World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington DC, the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program organised by the Energy Department, has been praised for its success in cutting energy costs and CO2 emissions.

The Program, which comprises more than 120 manufacturers – including Holcim US and CalPortland – and more than 1750 plants across the US, has saved about US$1 billion in energy costs and the equivalent of ~11 million t of CO2 emissions. “These manufacturers are leading by example – demonstrating the promise of energy efficiency, increasing competitiveness in the private sector and reducing harmful carbon pollution,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Kathleen Hogan, during keynote remarks at the congress.

Voluntarily cutting energy intensity

The Program requires manufacturers to sign a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by about 25% over 10 years, or an equivalent level for their sector. Currently, the members account for nearly 8% of the total US manufacturing energy footprint.

The Better Buildings, Better Plants Program is part of President Obama’s initiative to help commercial and industrial buildings increase their energy efficiency by at least 20% over the next 10 years. You can find more information about the Program here.

Five companies were recognised at the congress for exceeding their 25% energy intensity reduction goal, namely: AT&T, Cummins, Metal Industries, TE Connectivity and United Technologies Corporation.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Gu