Volvo Group achieved its goal of reduced energy consumption in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge five years earlier than anticipated, the company announced.

Volvo Group’s goal had been a 25% reduction in energy consumption at its eight U.S. manufacturing plants between 2009 and 2020. By the end of 2014, Volvo Group, one of only 11 companies to meet its goal early, had reduced energy consumption by 26.8% compared with its 2009 baseline, the company said.

“One of the Volvo Group’s core values is environmental care, so we are pleased to be among a select few companies to achieve our goal under the Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge early,” said Rick Robinson, director  of health, safety and environment. “Reaching this milestone required the diligence and dedication of all our employees, and we will continue to strive for improved energy efficiency.”

“As the Better Buildings Initiative enters its fourth year, leaders continue to showcase how saving energy saves money, creates jobs, and most importantly, accelerates the nation’s competitiveness in the clean energy economy while preserving our environment for generations to come,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

Volvo Group’s leadership in energy efficiency has been recognized in other ways, the company said. The company announced late last year that, at the time, three of its manufacturing sites – Macungie, New River Valley and Hagerstown – held the top three positions in DOE’s Superior Energy Performance program, recording the highest energy performance improvements among Platinum level partners, according to Volvo.

Truong Duy