Propane Case OEMs Win US Energy Star Awards 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), through its efficiency-promoting Energy Star program, has chosen True Manufacturing, Quality By Design (QBD) Cooling, Beverage Air and Welbilt to be among the 206 organizations receiving 2021 Partner of the Year awards. 

All four companies manufacture commercial display cases or refrigerators using propane (R290).

Beverage Air, (QBD) Cooling Systems and True Manufacturing, were given the award in the Product Design category, while Welbilt was among the more than 150 organizations receiving the program’s highest honor, Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence, as a product brand owner. Welbilt has received the Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence distinction for 10 consecutive years.

The EPA,’s Energy Star program, established in 1992, has been handing out these awards annually to  businesses and organizations “that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements,” the agency said.

More details about the winning companies follow.

True Manufacturing

True Manufacturing, based in O’Fallon, Missouri (U.S.) was recognized for its continuous innovation in the commercial refrigeration market including promotion of equipment and safety measures for environmentally friendly propane refrigerants.

Key 2020 accomplishments include:

• Continuing to increase sales of Energy Star certified products to over 70%.
• Educating 100% of its workforce about the value of Energy Star and sustainability best practices.
• Raising awareness about Energy Star through YouTube promotional videos and online training, as well as banners and displays at trade shows with a reach of approximately 14,000 visitors.

Beverage-Air

Beverage-Air, based in North Carolina (U.S.) was  recognized for leadership in the development of energy efficient products, selling 38% more Energy Star certified models and transitioning to R290 refrigerant.

Key 2020 accomplishments include:

• Improving energy efficiency through research and innovation, and optimizing existing refrigeration systems so that 2020 models are up to 30% more energy efficient than previous models.
• Delivering a meaningfully higher level of energy conservation through a focus on variable speed compressors and adaptive defrost features.
• Launching multiple social media campaigns and printing brochures for manufacturer representative groups, buying groups, dealers, and purchasers to highlight the Energy Star certified models.
• Training sales workforce and all distributor locations on Energy Star certified models, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

QBD Cooling Systems

Canadian manufacturer QBD Cooling Systems was recognized for continued leadership in the development of energy efficient products including hydrocarbon-based refrigeration systems.

Key 2020 accomplishments include:

• Improving refrigeration equipment energy efficiency through integrated design, including an R290 compressor, specially programmed controllers, motors, LED lighting, and reduced charge amounts up to 90.5%.
• Raising awareness company-wide on Energy Star Day through informational sessions and social media promotion of the value of Energy Star.
• Investing many hours to provide Energy Star training to 100% of sales staff and external service technicians.

Welbilt

Welbilt, based in Florida (U.S.), offers a wide range of hydrocarbon-based products. Over the last year it released four new Energy Star certified commercial ice machines under the Manitowoc Ice brand, and maintained the highest number of Energy Star models of any ice machine manufacturer.

Key accomplishments for 2020 include:

• Increasing the number of Energy Star products offered by Welbilt brands by 4% compared to the prior year.
• Increasing sales of Energy Star products for the Manitowoc and Cleveland brands, which were up 41% and 31%, respectively.
• Launching a virtual expo in August 2020 and increasing the number of videos that specifically mention Energy Star on Welbilt’s YouTube channel and websites to 56 videos, an increase of seven from the previous year.
• Training 3,400 dealers using Energy Star- focused content.
• Engaging consumers through multi-channel digital education featuring Energy Star that resulted in nearly 1 million impressions from social media, ads, and web clicks.