May 31 2010
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) has formally pledged to reduce energy intensity 25% over a 10-year period in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Eastman, along with Alcoa, CalPortland, Lufkin Industries, and Raytheon participated in a pledge-signing event on May 21 at a DOE-sponsored energy efficiency forum.
Taking this pledge establishes a company as a Save Energy Now LEADER® -- one that is demonstrating social responsibility by leading industry toward a more secure and sustainable energy future. LEADER companies have distinguished themselves as energy-management champions among their industry peers. By partnering with DOE, LEADER companies raise the bar for all industrial facilities, while benefiting their own bottom line. It’s not just a pledge. It’s a commitment to action. Companies that make this ambitious pledge develop energy intensity baselines, energy management plans and report their progress to DOE on an annual basis.
“It’s appropriate that Eastman join this industrial initiative,” said Jim Rogers, president and CEO. “Energy efficiency is not new to us. Over the past 10 years, we’ve reduced greenhouse gas intensity by 25% and energy intensity by 35%. We’re an energy-intensive industry and will continue to do all we can to be more energy efficient.”
These 5 companies joined 32 charter companies who signed on to the new initiative in December, 2009. Companies that sign the agreement to work toward the energy reduction target will receive priority access to selected DOE resources and national recognition for their commitment and progress.
Save Energy Now LEADER Companies are setting ambitious energy reduction targets that will create demand for energy efficient manufacturing technology today and into the future. “Supporting the development of the latest industrial technologies plays an important role in helping U.S. industry to lead the world in energy efficiency and productivity,” said U.S. DOE Secretary Chu. “Working together with American manufacturing and IT industries, we will be able to create new jobs, reduce industrial energy use and limit damaging greenhouse gas emissions.”
Save Energy Now LEADER is a public-private partnership to catalyze significant energy and carbon reductions across the U.S. industrial sector. Participating companies have committed to reducing their energy intensity by at least 25% over 10 years. The Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program delivers customized resources and services to help companies set an energy use baseline, calculate energy intensity, prepare an energy management plan and implement energy-saving projects. Companies will measure and report their progress to the Department of Energy annually.