Three Ohio facilities were recognized recently for their environmental stewardship programs by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, earning a Gold Level award for their environmental stewardship programs.

Ohio’s E3 Program recognizes businesses, nonprofits and government agencies for going above and beyond required compliance while demonstrating environmental excellence. The Anna Engine Plant (AEP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) and Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) were each rewarded for their efforts.

AEP was rewarded for maintaining a third-party certified environmental management system; continuing the Honda of America-wide zero landfill waste status by sending more than 99 percent of manufacturing waste to recycling and waste-to-energy facilities.

Anna’s Aluminum Die Casting Department changed to a better insulation material for the holding areas of molten aluminum, producing a 26 percent reduction in electricity use at a cost savings of $140,000 over the expected life of new insulation.

ELP’s environmental stewardship activities include receiving a 10th consecutive U.S. EPA Energy Star award and continuing zero landfill waste status by sending more than 98 percent of manufactured waste material to recycling and waste-to-energy facilities. ELP replaced two old chillers with newer, more efficient units instead of rebuilding, saving $15,000 in electricity and 160 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

MAP also received the U.S. EPA Energy Star award for the 10th consecutive year and continued its zero-landfill waste status by sending 99 percent (116 million pounds) of manufactured waste to recycling and waste-to-energy facilities in 2016.

A hydrogen fueling station allows Honda MAP to power tow motors and forklifts using hydrogen fuel cells. Propane-powered motors were replaced with hydrogen for 54 vehicles. By reducing propane-powered motor emissions, Honda MAP lowered the need for outside air circulated into buildings to maintain air quality and saved energy.