The US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., named John B. Sanfilippo & Son, the Elgin, Ill.-based producer of Fisher nuts, as one of this year’s recipients of theENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for excellence in energy management.


The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, D.C., named John B. Sanfilippo & Son, the Elgin, Ill.-based producer ofFisher nuts, as one of this year’s recipients of theENERGY STARPartner of the Year award for excellence in energy management.

“JBSS’ robust energy management program is a national model, demonstrating how to fight climate change through energy efficiency,” says Elizabeth Craig, acting director of EPA’s office of atmospheric programs. “Effective energy management not only helps the bottom line, but it also is our most cost-effective climate strategy.”

Over the past three years, JBSS has developed resource conservation teams at all five of its facilities. JBSS conducts annual energy assessments at each of its plants to help establish a baseline and to set both short-term and long-term goals to reduce its use of water, nitrogen, electricity and gas.

EPA recognized three JBSS facilities for reducing energy consumption more than 10% as part ofENERGY STAR’schallenge for the industry. “It is gratifying to receive industry recognition for our work in reducing our carbon footprint,” says Jasper Sanfilippo Jr., president and COO of JBSS. “It took a collective effort on behalf of all of our employees to drive improvements, and I’m very proud of their dedication and work.”

With the help ofENERGY STAR, Americans prevented 170 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2010-equivalent to the annual emissions from 34 million vehicles-and saved $18 billion on their utility bills, according to the EPA.

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., founded in 1922, is a leading processor, marketer and distributor of baking nuts, snack nuts and nut-based products that are sold in multiple distribution channels.  Its products can be found under theFisher, Orchard Valley Harvest andSunshine Countrybrand names as well as a variety of private labels.