The Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant recently received the 2021 Encouraging Environmental Excellence “E3” Platinum Award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award recognizes businesses, nonprofits and government agencies in Ohio that demonstrate commitment to exceed regulatory compliance and attain exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.
Kenworth Chillicothe was one of three companies in Ohio that received platinum recognition – the top award presented by the Ohio EPA. This award honors a business or organization that expands its environmental program beyond its facility and demonstrates how its environmental stewardship efforts benefit the local community, region, or larger geographical area.
The Kenworth Chillicothe plant was recognized as a zero-waste facility. To achieve that status, the plant reused plastic drums and wood pallets, reclaimed and reused 387,000 gallons of solvent, Kenworth reports. The facility also recycled or eliminated the use of three million pounds of cardboard, five million pounds of wood, and more than a million pounds of metal. Energy savings were achieved by switching to LED lighting, staggering air conditioning set points, and optimizing and conducting preventative maintenance, the company says.