3.18.2008 - 11:59pm ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, DC - March 18, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named The Dow Chemical Co. as a 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for excellence in energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Dow's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1.

Dow will be honored for demonstrating outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and management within the past year. Dow's commitment and leadership in energy efficiency over the past 12 years has resulted in significant energy, financial and greenhouse gas savings - more than 900 trillion Btu, over $4 billion and approximately 51 million metric tons of CO2.

"Energy efficiency continues to play a key role in our efforts to address the parallel issues of restricted resources, escalating energy costs and climate change - and we are delighted to be recognized by Energy Star for our achievements in this area," said Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer. "Efficiency improvements alone will not solve all of our nation's climate and energy challenges, but it is something that everyone can do right now to make a difference."

In choosing the company for the award, the EPA recognized Dow's comprehensive approach to saving energy: goal setting, detailed energy measurement, benchmarking, employing best practices and fully engaging employees.

"Our company management and employees have put energy efficiency at the very core of our operations," said Rich Wells, Dow vice president of energy. "Our partnership with ENERGY STAR demonstrates the proven financial and environmental savings that result from superior energy management."

Award winners were selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the government-led program. ENERGY STAR is the government's most-recognized efficiency program and brand, which is used to promote environmentally friendly consumer products. Last year alone, Americans saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles, with the help of ENERGY STAR.

"Dow's leadership in managing their energy use is a model for other businesses looking for ways to protect the environment," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Because commercial and industrial facilities account for half of all energy consumption in the U.S. and are responsible for nearly half of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, energy management is a critical element in our efforts on climate change."

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov.

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