MIDDLEBURY — Agri-Mark, a cooperative of 1,100 dairy farm families and maker of Cabot cheddar and dairy products, is proud to announce their selection by Governor Phil Scott as a receipt of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
Working with Efficiency Vermont and their Continuous Energy Improvement Initiative (CEI), the Middlebury facility assessed and optimized the energy usage required to make compressed air and improved overall efficiencies in plant-wide air usage.
The optimizations and upgrades to current systems realized a 542,000 kWh reduction in electrical usage.  Cabot’s multi-year CEI Initiative is now reducing energy operating costs by over $250K annually.
“We are committed to continuously finding ways to make all our operations more efficient and environmentally sound,” said Jed Davis, Agri-Mark/Cabot’s Director of Sustainability. “The Middlebury team’s innovations and efficiency measures bring positive environmental and economic impacts to our farm family owners both in Addison County and throughout New England and New York.”
“Congratulations to Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Co-operative for this prestigious achievement,” said Karen Glitman, Director of Efficiency Vermont. “By embracing a Continuous Energy Improvement approach, Cabot is nurturing a culture of energy efficiency across their operations. They serve as a model for how Vermont businesses can create a sustainable energy future.”   
The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence were established in 1993 to recognize the actions taken by Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability.  Projects must contribute significantly to protecting the environment, conserving energy and reducing the production of greenhouse gases. Together they have created a green and sustainable business culture, and advanced environmental education on all fronts.