Going “green” is much more than being politically correct, and there are plenty of examples of companies trying to jump on the band wagon without clearly considering the impact of false bravado. Now, companies are paying attention to reducing energy, improving operating costs and being environmentally responsible. It’s not a fad. It’s fundamental. Anyone concerned with making sustainable changes in industry knows the hills and hurdles are sometimes difficult to overcome. Saving money by going green seems to turn the tide and convert even the toughest critics. Are you prepared to answer “How Green is Your Plant?”

The Department of Energy’s Compressed Air Challenge program features a number of “good reads” for improving compressed air systems...

Green Cuisine
Contessa, makers of restaurant quality frozen food selections, produces its Green Cuisine as an environmentally responsible food manufacturer at what it calls the “world’s first LEED certified frozen food manufacturing plant. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating system for new construction and major renovations. For more information from the U.S. Green Building council, visit www.usgbc.org

SunChips Solar Production
FritoLay transfers the sun’s energy to produce its SunChips snacks at its production plant in Modesto, California. The company reportedly purchases enough renewable energy credits to match 100% of the electricity used in all of its U.S. facilities, including seven other facilities making SunChips. Source: www.greenbiz.com

Aveda Beautifies with Breezes
Aveda, the high-end beauty company, manufacturers with 100% certified wind power. While the energy may not come directly from a turbine, Aveda funds enough new wind energy sources to offset 100% of the electricity used in the primary manufacturing, distribution and headquarters facility in Minnesota, USA.