FOUR MANUFACTURERS EARN ENERGY STAR AWARDS

It’s bigger than a gold star, it’s Energy Star. Although the complete list of winners won’t be announced until April, at least four foodservice equipment manufacturers have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts toward reducing energy consumption in their products.

For the second consecutive year, the EPA has recognized ITW Food Equipment Group-North America with its highest honor, the Sustained Excellence Award, which recognizes leadership across the Energy Star program. ITW FEG earned back-to-back Energy Star Partner of the Year awards in 2008 and 2009. The company’s divisions, including Hobart, Kairak, Somat, Stero, Traulsen, Vulcan and Wolf, include 368 Energy Star qualified units. ITW FEG has been an Energy Star partner since 2008.

Manitowoc Foodservice earned its second Partner of the Year award, given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver Energy Star qualified products. The New Port Richey, Fla.-based company currently participates in seven Energy Star categories including dishwashers, fryers, ice machines, solid door refrigerators, steam cookers, griddles, hot-holding food cabinets, and ovens. More than 200 Manitowoc products have earned the Energy Star rating.

Continental Refrigerator, a division of National Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Products, also was named as an Energy Star Partner of the Year. The Bensalem, Pa., manufacturer currently has more than 260 Energy Star qualified models.

Scotsman Ice Systems received the Award for Excellence in energy-efficient product design. The Vernon Hills, Ill., company offers more than 50 Energy Star-rated ice machine models.

The EPA’s complete list of winners will be announced in April, and they will be honored during the 2011 Energy Star awards ceremony on April 12 in Washington, D.C. energystar.gov