Bimbo Bakeries USA, Horsham, PA, recently completed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Challenge for Industry at six of its bakeries, with an average of 17 percent energy reduction per plant in the past year. In addition to these six bakeries, BBU’s remaining plants are participating in the challenge, saving enough energy to power 330,350 households for a year. With a total of 59 facilities, BBU operates more than half of the bakeries currently participating in the Energy Star Challenge.

“BBU is committed to promoting energy efficiency, preventing pollution, protecting the environment and saving money on energy costs,” says Jim Mckeown, director of sustainability for Grupo Bimbo S.A.B de C.V., Mexico City, and BBU, which is owned by Grupo Bimbo. “As a member of the American Baking Association, we saw an opportunity to get involved in a program that can benefit our industry and reduce greenhouse gas.”

BBU’s Frederick, MD, plant was honored by EPA and ABA for being the first facility in the baking industry to complete the EPA Energy Star Challenge for Industry. Robb MacKie (left), president of ABA, presented a certificate of recognition to Jay Kuhn (right), Frederick plant manager. The other five BBU bakeries that completed the challenge are in Houston; Topeka, KS; Placentia, CA; Norristown, PA; and Bay Shore, NY.

“We are pleased to recognize BBU’s achievement of the Energy Star Challenge for Industry at the first six bakeries in the US,” says Jean Lupinacci, acting director of the EPA’s Climate Protection Partnership Division. “This accomplishment demonstrates the important role energy management and efficiency plays in realizing sustainability objectives of protecting the environment and strengthening the bottom line.”

“BBU is a leader in Energy Star’s Commercial Baking Sector,” says Walt Tunnessen, national program manager for EPA’s Energy Star Industrial Program. “They join a select group of companies with multiple plants that have achieved the challenge. By improving the energy performance at these bakeries, BBU has reduced its carbon foot print by over 45,000 metric tons.”