Three Food Processing Plants Earn EPA Energy Star; Increase Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing the first three frozen fried potato processing plants to earn the Energy Star for superior energy performance. These plants perform in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency nationwide and, on average, use nearly 20 percent less energy when compared to similar plants across the country. Together, these plants annually save more than $10 million and prevent nearly 40,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the emissions from the yearly electricity use of 5,000 homes. These businesses are increasing their energy efficiency, saving money while reducing the amount of pollution emitted into our environment.

The three potato processing plants to first earn EPA’s Energy Star are J.R. Simplot Company’s Aberdeen, Idaho plant; J.R. Simplot Company’s Othelllo, Wash. plant; and ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston Inc.’s Quincy, Wash. plant.

The food processing industry is an essential domestic industry that provides more than 1 million jobs annually. Announced in October 2009, EPA’s Energy Star Energy Performance Indicators for food processing have become important tools in helping improve the energy efficiency of the industry, which spends nearly $7 billion on energy each year. Energy Star Energy Performance Indicators allow companies to measure their energy performance against others in the industry, while achieving breakthrough improvements in energy efficiency.

For more information on Energy Star Food Processing Energy Performance Indicators: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=in_focus.bus_food_proc_focus