Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the launch of the Save Energy Now LEADER programme at the beginning of December 2009, which is expected to provide technical assistance and resources to companies…
Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the launch of the Save Energy Now LEADER programme at the beginning of December 2009, which is expected to provide technical assistance and resources to companies that pledge significant improvements in industrial energy efficiency. Thirty-two companies of the US industrial sector, including glass manufacturing, signed a voluntary pledge to reduce their industrial energy intensity by 25% over the next ten years. “These companies“ commitments to energy efficiency not only generate significant energy and carbon savings, but also show the entire business community the profitable steps that can be taken to move us all toward a clean energy future,” said Chu. “Working together with American manufacturers, we will leverage the potential of energy efficiency to create new jobs, make our economy more competitive, and reduce carbon pollution.” The LEADER programme is a new component of the existing Save Energy Now initiative through which companies partner with DOE to carry out energy audits and assessments to identify opportunities for energy and cost savings in their operations. Participating businesses also have access to tools and training to put into practice recommendations to help reduce energy use and lower operating costs. According to the DOE, more than 2,000 plants received energy assessments through Save Energy Now from 2006 to 2009. The 32 LEADER charter member companies agreed to establish energy use and energy intensity baselines, as well as to develop an energy management plan over the next year. Companies who signed on include 3M, The Dow Chemical Company, Ingersoll Rand/Trane, Owens Corning, PPG Industries, Serious Materials and Sherwin-Williams.