The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named ITW Food Equipment Group–North America (ITW FEG) as the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Product Manufacturer. ITW FEG is the only commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer to receive the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award.

Hobart, Stero, Vulcan, Traulsen, and Wittco are among the ITW FEG independent companies that contributed its efforts in designing and manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed national symbol of energy efficiency.Representatives from ITW FEG and its independent companies will accept the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award at a ceremony to be held April 1, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Facilities with commercial kitchens are estimated to use five times more energy per square foot than the rest of the building combined. Currently, commercial foodservice products in six categories can earn the ENERGY STAR: fryers, hot-food holding cabinets, commercial solid-door refrigerators and freezers, commercial steam cookers, commercial dishwashers, and commercial ice makers. Qualified products can save up to as much as 50 percent over their conventional counterparts. Additionally, energy-efficient equipment in a product category that does not currently have an ENERGY STAR standard can also be included in the kitchen to save energy and water.

“ENERGY STAR plays an important role in helping foodservice operators and food retailers design a sustainable kitchen that’s good for the environment and good for business in terms of efficiency, productivity, and quality,” said John McDonough, President of ITW FEG. “Our partnership with ENERGY STAR enables us to emphasize the value of selecting equipment engineered for high efficiency and low water consumption. Other key factors to consider include durability, total cost of ownership and regularly scheduled preventive maintenance.”

The 2008 Partner of the Year awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers and businesses money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“By producing and promoting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR, ITW FEG is educating commercial foodservice operators about the importance of energy efficiency,” said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air & Radiation. “The efforts of ITW FEG in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR make them a leader in demonstrating that commercial foodservice operators can have quality products that also protect the environment.”