Two asphalt production facilities operated by George Reed Inc. have become the first in California to receive ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizing their energy performance among the nation’s most efficient industrial plants.
The company’s Clements and Rio Linda asphalt plants earned the designation after ranking in the top 25% of comparable facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. In addition, George Reed’s Clements, Rio Linda and Table Mountain plants received 2026 Diamond Commendations, recognizing the company’s continued commitment to improving plant performance and sustainability.
The recognition highlights a growing industry focus on reducing energy consumption while maintaining production capacity and product quality.
ENERGY STAR recognizes high-performing facilities
The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program evaluates industrial facilities using its Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) tool, which measures energy efficiency on a scale of 1 to 100.
To qualify for certification, asphalt plants must achieve a score of 75 or higher, placing them among the top-performing facilities in the country for energy management.
The certification is widely recognized as one of the highest benchmarks for operational energy efficiency across U.S. industries.
Facility upgrades improved efficiency
George Reed Inc. invested in several equipment upgrades to improve plant performance and reduce energy use before seeking certification.
Key improvements included:
- Installation of a new dryer drum and upgraded seals
- Replacement of the hot oil heater
- New insulation on hot oil piping
- Conversion to a more energy-efficient mineral oil
- Installation of new baghouse filter bags
- Upgrades to the slat conveyor system
Company officials said the improvements not only reduced energy consumption but also enhanced operational reliability and production efficiency.
Certification requires extensive documentation
Obtaining ENERGY STAR certification involves a detailed review of a facility’s energy performance.
As part of the process, operators must collect 12 months of energy consumption data covering electricity, fuel usage and operating costs before entering the information into the EPA’s EPI tool.
Facilities must also complete energy audits, evaluate efficiency improvements and have all performance data verified and certified by a licensed professional engineer before submitting the application to the EPA.
Industry continues to emphasize sustainability
George Reed Inc.’s achievement reflects the increasing importance of energy management within the asphalt industry as producers seek to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.
Industry organizations note that investments in energy-efficient equipment can deliver long-term savings while helping facilities meet evolving environmental expectations and sustainability goals.
The company said the certifications represent an important milestone but emphasized that improving energy performance remains an ongoing process requiring continuous investment and operational improvements.
The recognition places the Clements and Rio Linda facilities among a select group of ENERGY STAR-certified asphalt plants nationwide and establishes a new benchmark for energy efficiency within California’s asphalt industry.
