Managing energy efficiently and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an important part of ACC member companies’ commitment to sustainability. Through Responsible Care^®, ACC member companies report on their progress in meeting the following energy-related performance measures:

Energy Efficiency

Measuring and managing the energy efficiency of manufacturing facilities is an important step in conserving natural resources. The chemical industry is an energy-intensive industry, so it is a priority for ACC members to track their energy use and efficiency and publicly report their collective progress.

Energy efficiency is measured in terms of BTUs consumed per pound of production. The energy efficiency of Responsible Care companies has improved by more than 10 percent since 1992. Since 1974, the U.S. chemical industry as a whole has improved its energy efficiency by 53 percent.

Energy efficiency is measured in terms of BTUs consumed per pound of production. The energy efficiency of Responsible Care companies has improved by more than 10 percent since 1992. Since 1974, the U.S. chemical industry as a whole has improved its energy efficiency by 53 percent.

Greenhouse Gas Intensity

Responsible Care companies are committed to effectively managing and reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG emissions are calculated by determining the pounds of CO₂-equivalent emissions per pound of production. Responsible Care companies have committed to lowering GHG intensity by 18 percent by 2012, using 1990 as a base-reporting year.

Between 2008 and 2009, Responsible Care companies reduced their GHG emissions by 8 percent. Since 1992, ACC members have reduced their GHG intensity by more than 16 percent.