WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized more than 120 manufacturers that are saving on energy costs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions via its Better Buildings, Better Plants Program. Through the DOE program, over 1,750 plants across the United States have saved about $1 billion in energy costs and approximately 190 trillion British thermal units — equivalent to about 11 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.

“Through the Better Plants Program, American manufacturers are cutting energy waste and saving millions of dollars each year,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan. “These manufacturers are leading by example — demonstrating the promise of energy efficiency, increasing competitiveness in the private sector, and reducing harmful carbon pollution.”

Across the United States, manufacturers spend more than $200 billion each year to power their plants, said DOE. Through the Better Plants Program, American manufacturers sign a voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by about 25 percent over 10 years, or an equally ambitious level for their sector. To date, participating companies represent nearly 8 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing energy footprint.