DALLAS — The Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association at its technical conference held May 1-4 in Dallas recognized 13 cookie and cracker bakeries with the Energy Star for superior energy performance from the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the B.&C.M.A., the bakeries “have demonstrated best in class energy performance and, on average, use nearly 25% less energy when compared to similar plants across the country.”

It was the first time cookie and cracker bakeries have been awarded the Energy Star.

“By being more energy efficient, these bakeries are saving money while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health,” the B.&C.M.A. said. “Compared to average plants, the Energy Star certified bakeries annually save 4,300,000 million Btus of energy, avoid nearly $24 million in utility bills, and prevent more than 85,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is comparable to eliminating the emissions from more than 16,000 cars.”

The first Energy Star certified cookie and cracker bakeries are: 

Richmond Baking of Indiana, Richmond, Ind.
Oak State Products, Wenona, Ill.
Bremner Foods Group Inc., Poteau, Okla.
Bremner Foods Group Inc., South Beloit, Ill.
Bremner Foods Group Inc., Tonawanda, N.Y.
Kellogg’s Augusta Bakery, Augusta, Ga.
Kellogg’s Cary Bakery, Raleigh, N.C.
Kellogg’s Charlotte Bakery, Charlotte, N.C.
Kellogg’s Cincinnati Bakery, Cincinnati
Kellogg’s Columbus Bakery, Columbus, Ga.
Kellogg’s Florence Bakery, Florence, Ky.
Kellogg’s Louisville Bakery, Louisville, Ky.
Lance Private Brands, Burlington, Iowa.

The E.P.A. started Energy Star in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The B.&C.M.A. Sustainability Working Group led the initiative for the Energy Star Energy Performance Indicator for cookie and cracker bakeries over a two-year timeframe.