In January 2010, IDFA entered into a partnership agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to promote energy efficiency in the dairy processing industry. Chief among the envisioned activities under the agreement are the ENERGY STAR Challenge, a national call-to-action to improve the energy efficiency of America's industrial facilities, and the development of an energy management guide and energy performance indicators. Since the challenge launched last May, 97 dairy facilities have enrolled in the program, representing nearly half of all manufacturing companies currently participating in the program.

"The challenge is open to all industries, not just the beverage or food industry, so our participation stands out and is very much appreciated," said Clay Detlefsen, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs. "Thank you to all who have signed up."

Because the program operates on a rolling enrollment, new facilities are welcome to participate at any time. More details and suggested resources are available in the EPA's Steps for Participation. Dairy processors may sign up by downloading the IDFA ENERGY STAR Challenge for the Dairy Industry Application.

To view the introductory video of Detlefsen describing the ENERGY STAR program, visit IDFA's YouTube site.

Work Begins on Energy Management Guide

With the challenge underway, IDFA, EPA and the industry are initiating work on the Energy Management Guide for Dairy Processing Industries and energy performance indicators for dairy. Strawman materials likely will be available in the months ahead, Detlefsen said.

The ENERGY STAR program also will be featured during a panel discussion at the IDFA Sustainability Symposium, May 25-26, in Chicago. The session will demonstrate how companies are leveraging the ENERGY STAR program to meet company goals.

One company will explain how it achieved a 10-percent energy reduction and another will discuss how it succeeded in getting all of its facilities to participate. All will share best practices for implementing energy-saving techniques and making the most of their successes within their companies and with their customers.

For more information on the symposium, visit the IDFA event calendar. 

To learn more about the ENERGY STAR program, contact Detlefsen at cdetlefsen@idfa.org.