Merck known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has received an ENERGY STAR 2013 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its continued improvement of energy performance and leadership in energy management in both the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.

Merck has been an ENERGY STAR partner since 1995 and recognized by the EPA for eight consecutive years. Merck will be recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, DC, on March 26.

“Managing energy well is consistent with Merck's philosophy of being a responsible company,” said Rodney Freeman, vice president, Global Facilities Management, Merck. “We are using greener sources of energy and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. Our partnership with ENERGY STAR helps us focus on our main goal of reducing energy consumption. We believe the greenest kilowatt is the one not used.”

The award recognises three Merck manufacturing sites that have achieved ENERGY STAR rankings in the top 25 per cent of pharmaceutical plant energy performance nationwide: Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Las Piedras, Puerto Rico; and Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Also achieving certification this year were Merck's corporate headquarters in New Jersey for the fourth time; Merck’s research headquarters in Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, for the second time; and company office buildings in Springfield, New Jersey, and West Point, Pennsylvania, for the first time.

“EPA is recognizing Merck for earning EPA’s highest ENERGY STAR award – the 2013 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award,” said Bob Perciasepe, Acting Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency. “Merck leads the field with their commitment to energy efficiency and demonstrates how all Americans can save energy, save money, and create a healthier environment.”

Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.