BOISE, Idaho — Respect for Resources—like energy—is one of Simplot’s Core Values. So we’re especially proud to say two of Simplot’s fertilizer plants recently earned the prestigious 2021 ENERGY STAR® certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Simplot’s Helm, California plant and our Rock Springs, Wyoming plant were both honored for their energy efficiency. Helm produces nitric acid and various downstream nitrate and phosphate liquid fertilizers. Rock Springs produces ammonia, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and various granulated fertilizers necessary to ensure healthy crops that help feed the world. Helm was previously recognized by ENERGY STAR in 2020 and in 2019—the inaugural year Energy Star was awarded in the Nitrogenous Fertilizer category. This is Rock Springs’ first ENERGY STAR award.
With this Energy Star designation, the EPA acknowledges our two plants as some of the most energy-efficient nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing facilities in the country. The recognition is based on the plants’ rank in the top 25% on EPA’s Energy Star energy performance scale in their industry nationwide. This scale is a statistical model that scores a facility’s production and energy use to benchmark its energy performance against the industry. In 2021, only 93 plants in all categories were awarded this certification.
“Both the Helm and Rock Springs plants have long histories of prioritizing energy efficiency, with strong track records of implementing low-cost continuous improvements as well as rapid payback capital projects,” said Simplot Energy Engineer David Albright. “EPA’s recognition of these facilities and people who run them is well-earned and a testament to Simplot’s focus on resource conservation.”
“The employees at the Helm plant have always been energy conscious and they strive for operational efficiency,” pointed out Helm Plant Manager Gil Rodriguez. “It’s great to see all of their efforts recognized as we again attain Energy Star status for our plant. The J.R. Simplot Company supports all of our energy efficiency efforts through our sustainability initiatives, and we are very excited as we look to the future.”
Rock Springs Plant Manager Bret Pizzato also shared appreciation as he acknowledged his team and their hard work. “I’m very proud of our employees at Rock Springs and appreciate the support from Simplot to accomplish this certification,” he said. “As we continue to strive to meet our Company 4Sight 2030 Goals, this achievement is a positive step for sustainability.”
Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped businesses make their processes more energy efficient, saving more than $450 billion in energy costs and achieving 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. Thanks to their superior energy performance over 2021, the 93 ENERGY STAR certified plants, including Helm and Rock Springs, avoided nearly 90 trillion BTUs of energy consumption, and prevented emissions equal to the annual energy use of nearly 650,000 American homes.About Simplot
The J.R. Simplot Company is a family-owned, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Its integrated portfolio includes food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot has major operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, and China, with products and services available to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.simplot.com.
