Bimbo Bakeries USA becomes the first baking company to complete the challenge.

HORSHAM, PA. — Bimbo Bakeries USA, Horsham, recently completed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Challenge for Industry at six of its bakeries, with an average of 17% energy reduction per plant in the past year. In addition to these six bakeries, B.B.U.’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, B.B.U. operates more than half of the bakeries currently participating in the Energy Star Challenge.

“B.B.U. is committed to promoting energy efficiency, preventing pollution, protecting the environment and saving money on energy costs,” said Jim Mckeown, director of sustainability for Grupo Bimbo and B.B.U. “As a member of the American Bakers Association (A.B.A.), we saw an opportunity to get involved in a program that can benefit our industry and reduce greenhouse gas.”

B.B.U.’s Frederick, Md., plant was honored by the E.P.A. and the A.B.A. for being the first facility in the baking industry to complete the E.P.A. Energy Star Challenge for Industry. The other five B.B.U. bakeries that completed the challenge are located in Houston; Topeka, Kas.; Placentia, Calif.; Norristown, Pa.; and Bay Shore, N.Y.

“We are pleased to recognize B.B.U.’s achievement of the Energy Star Challenge for Industry at the first six bakeries in the U.S.,” said Jean Lupinacci, acting director of the E.P.A.’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.”

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