ITW FEG earns award for manufacturing energy-efficient products
Troy, OH, March 4, 2008 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named ITW Food Equipment Group–North America (ITW FEG) as the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Product Manufacturer. ITW FEG is the only commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer to receive the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award.
Hobart, Stero, Vulcan, Traulsen and Wittco are among the ITW FEG independent companies that contributed its efforts in designing and manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed national symbol of energy efficiency. ITW FEG supports the sustainable design efforts of end-users through continued research and development. In addition to an environmentally sound approach to equipment design, ITW FEG is committed to supporting customers in their drive to cut costs and to consume less water and electricity, with 244 ENERGY STARqualified units. Representatives from ITW FEG and its independent companies will accept the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award at a ceremony to be held April 1, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Facilities with commercial kitchens are estimated to use five times more energy per square foot than the rest of the building combined. Currently, commercial foodservice products in six categories can earn the ENERGY STAR: fryers, hot-food holding cabinets, commercial solid-door refrigerators and freezers, commercial steam cookers, commercial dishwashers and commercial ice makers. Qualified products can save up to as much as 50 percent over their conventional counterparts. Additionally, energy-efficient equipment in a product category that does not currently have an ENERGY STAR standard can also be included in the kitchen to save energy and water.
“ENERGY STAR plays an important role in helping foodservice operators and food retailers design a sustainable kitchen that’s good for the environment and good for business in terms of efficiency, productivity and quality,” said John McDonough, President of ITW FEG. “Our partnership with ENERGY STAR enables us to emphasize the value of selecting equipment engineered for high efficiency and low water consumption. Other key factors to consider include durability, total cost of ownership and regularly scheduled preventive maintenance.”
The 2008 Partner of the Year awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers and businesses money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
“By producing and promoting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR, ITW FEG is educating commercial foodservice operators about the importance of energy efficiency,” said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air & Radiation. “The efforts of ITW FEG in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR make them a leader in demonstrating that commercial foodservice operators can have quality products that also protect the environment.”
About ITW Food Equipment Group–North America
ITW Food Equipment Group–North America (ITW FEG–NA) is the parent organization of independent companies such as Hobart (www.hobartcorp.com), Stero (www.stero.com), Vulcan (www.vulcanhart.com), Traulsen (www.traulsen.com) and Wittco (www.wittco.com), all of which design and manufacture commercial food equipment for foodservice and food retail customers.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Tammy Monroe, (513) 346-3436, tmonroe@hsr.com or Maria Vargas, (202) 343-9451, vargas.maria@epa.gov
