OREANDA-NEWS. Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that it has received an ENERGY STAR 2016 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. 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 11 consecutive years, two times as Partner of the Year and now a ninth time for Sustained Excellence.

“Merck is proud of our partnership with ENERGY STAR, because it helps us promote our energy program and provides guidance to use energy more efficiently,” said Don Watson, vice president, Global Workplace & Enterprise Services, Merck. “We are committed to the efficient use of our natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of our operations.”

The award recognizes one Merck manufacturing site that has achieved ENERGY STAR rankings in the top 25 percent of pharmaceutical plant energy performance nationwide: Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Also achieving certification this year were office buildings in Cokesbury and Branchburg, N.J., as well as an office building in Upper Gwynedd, Pa.

“By continued collaboration with ENERGY STAR, Merck is helping Americans save money, save energy, and do their part to reduce our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “I’m proud to recognize Merck with the highest form of ENERGY STAR recognition, as the winner of the 2016 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Merck demonstrates a strong commitment to energy efficiency and to preserving a healthy planet for future generations.”