BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven of Kellogg Company's U.S. cookie and cracker bakeries have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) first ENERGY STAR certification for bakeries that demonstrate best-in-class energy performance.

The seven Kellogg facilities represent more than half of the 13 EPA-recognized U.S. cookie and cracker bakeries from multiple companies. Collectively, these facilities prevent more than 85,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually compared to average performing bakeries. According to the EPA, these bakeries use one-quarter less energy than similar plants across the country.

The ENERGY STAR-certified bakeries include Kellogg Company's Augusta Bakery, Augusta, Ga.; Cary Bakery, Raleigh, N.C.; Charlotte Bakery, Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati Bakery, Cincinnati, Ky.; Columbus Bakery, Columbus, Ga.; Florence Bakery, Florence, Ky., and Louisville Bakery, Louisville, Ky.

"Kellogg is honored to receive this recognition from the EPA, demonstrating our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our business," said Celeste Clark, Kellogg Company's chief sustainability officer and senior vice president, global public policy and external relations.

"We've committed to reducing our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 15-20 percent by 2015 and already, we've made steady gains toward these goals in the last several years."

Since 2005, Kellogg has reduced its energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7.5 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively, per metric tonne of food produced. As part of the company's more than 100-year commitment to corporate responsibility, each plant around the world has reduction goals for energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use and waste sent to landfill.

"This EPA recognition was the result of many projects and initiatives – both large and small – at our facilities, as well as the ongoing contributions and dedication from our employees," added Alistair Hirst, senior vice president, operations, for Kellogg Company's U.S. Snacks business unit. "Some of these efforts include installation of motion sensors and high efficiency lighting as well as installing more efficient ovens and boilers, among other initiatives."

More information on Kellogg Company's environmental initiatives are detailed in its third Global Corporate Responsibility Report, available at www.kelloggcompany.com/CR.

About Kellogg Company

For more than 100 years, consumers have counted on Kellogg for great-tasting, high-quality and nutritious foods. Kellogg Company, with 2010 sales of more than $12 billion, is the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. Kellogg Company's beloved brands, which are manufactured in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries, include Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Pop-Tarts®, Eggo®, Cheez-It®, All-Bran®, Mini-Wheats®, Nutri-Grain®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, Chips Deluxe®, Famous Amos®, Sandies®, Austin®, Club®, Murray®, Kashi®, Bear Naked®, Morningstar Farms®, Gardenburger® and Stretch Island®. For more information on the Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

SOURCE Kellogg Company