The Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant recently received the 2020 Encouraging Environmental Excellence “E3” Gold Award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Kenworth Chillicothe, which produces Kenworth’s Class 8 trucks, is one of eight organizations in Ohio that received gold award recognition this year. To earn the gold award, a business or organization must have a comprehensive environmental stewardship program, go beyond regulatory compliance requirements and complete environmental stewardship activities that reduce waste and improve environmental performance.
Kenworth says its largest plant was especially recognized for a reduction of 2.7 million lbs. in its waste footprint. The Ohio EPA commended Kenworth Chillicothe for its returnable rack project, which eliminated 694 tons of cardboard waste and 75 tons of carbon dioxide emissions since its implementation three years ago.
The Ohio EPA also noted that Kenworth Chillicothe reduced its electric consumption by 5 million kilowatt hours. The plant switched to LED lighting, staggered air conditioning set points, and turned off rooftop HVAC systems on weekends. The plant also saved energy by conducting and optimizing preventive maintenance of equipment and machines.