OREANDA-NEWS. December 12, 2013. ArcelorMittal was recently recognised by the US energy department for its leadership in the Better Buildings, Better Plants Programme, which supports the Obama administration’s target to increase energy productivity in the US by 2030.

“Partners in the Better Plants challenge are leading by example, showing firsthand how energy efficiency improvements can help manufacturers improve their bottom lines, cut energy waste and pollution and stay competitive in global markets,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson. “The investments they have made through the Better Plants challenge are helping to cut energy waste, while saving millions in energy costs and helping position the United States to lead in the global economy."

ArcelorMittal joined the programme in August this year and committed to reducing its energy intensity by 10 percent across 17 plants. Aluminium manufacturer Alcoa was the second company recognised by the energy department.

As part of the Better Plants Programme, Alcoa and ArcelorMittal co-hosted an energy efficiency training programme in November at their Cleveland plants for staff at both companies. Sponsored by the energy department, this hands-on technical training will further help plant staff identify new opportunities that reduce energy use and save money.

"ArcelorMittal USA is excited to be a partner in the Better Plants Programme," said Larry Fabina, ArcelorMittal USA energy champion. "Energy is one of the most expensive factors in the steelmaking process. Therefore, we look forward to working with the department of energy and the other partner companies to accelerate our energy management efforts, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment and improving the sustainability of our operations."

Across the United States, more than USD200 billion is spent to power commercial buildings, while another USD 200 billion is spent to power U.S. manufacturing facilities. In 2011, President Obama launched the Better Buildings challenge to catalyse change in energy use and achieve record-breaking energy bill savings.

Through the broader Better Plants Programme, the US energy department is partnering with more than 120 manufacturers that represent more than 1,750 plants across the United States and about eight percent of the total U.S. manufacturing energy footprint to support smart investments that save energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions.