Rising energy costs are forcing manufacturers to seek innovative ways to optimize energy consumption.

Being green and sustainable is trendy in all industries today. Unfortunately, many different definitions and concepts exist, which can be confusing to small- and medium-sized companies.

BELVIDERE, IL— Chrysler’s assembly plant here has received a $1.3 million rebate from the local natural gas provider as a result of implementing three gas-saving projects.

AMES, IA—The Critical Materials Institute here has a installed a 3D printer to facilitate research on alternatives to rare-earth elements and other critical materials for clean energy.

RUSSELLS POINT, OH—Honda’s transmission assembly plant here will get approximately 10 percent of its electricity from a pair of on-site wind turbines.

GEORGETOWN, KY—Toyota’s assembly plant here will get some of its electricity from locally generated landfill gas.

HANOVER, PA—Schindler Elevator Corp.’s newly opened assembly plant here has earned LEED Gold certification for energy and environmental design from the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

VERNON HILLS, IL—Mitsubishi Electric Automation has launched a Web site to address the energy challenges faced by the manufacturing sector. The site provides tools, white papers and energy reduction solutions for a variety of manufacturing industries.

RUSSELLS POINT, OH—Honda will begin operating two new wind turbines at its transmission assembly plant here. The turbines are expected to provide about 10 percent of the plant’s electricity and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

CLEVELAND, NC—The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources has recognized the Daimler Trucks assembly plant here as an Environmental Steward.