MARYSVILLE — Three Ohio Honda plants were honored by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday.

The automotive manufacturer’s Marysville, East Liberty and Anna facilities recieved the EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence Gold-Level Award, according to a release from Honda.

The company recieved the award because it puts almost no waste in landfills; has reduced electricity and natural gas usage; installed and uses a hydropower system; coverted lighting to more efficient methods and more.

“Our associates strive each day to reduce energy use and the environmental impact of our manufacturing operations,” said Tom Shoupe, executive vice president, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., in a statement. “This recognition is a testament to their ongoing efforts in waste reduction, efficiency and recycling, which are all part of Honda’s Green Factory initiatives.”

The plants also use e-coat material to decrease the production of Volatile Organic Compounds by about 40 percent, according to the release.

“It’s quite an accomplishment to have three facilities within the same company earn gold status in our E3 program. Honda is the first,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler, in a statement. “Honda is known for its efforts to go beyond what is required for corporate success.”

Honda of America Mfg., Inc. Green Factory leaders, from left,Robert Bottom, Kaprice Anderson, John Spencer, Paul Huwer and Dirk Nordberg pose with Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/08/web1_Honda2.jpgHonda of America Mfg., Inc. Green Factory leaders, from left,Robert Bottom, Kaprice Anderson, John Spencer, Paul Huwer and Dirk Nordberg pose with Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler. Submitted photo

By Danae King

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Reach Danae King at 567-242-0511 or on Twitter @DanaeKing.