The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) announced today that it will accelerate energy efficiency and conservation improvements within its operations through an investment of $100 million in projects that will reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

"Dow has long been a recognized leader in industrial energy efficiency and carbon management and this investment will spark further opportunities for energy conservation," said Doug May, vice president, Energy and Climate Change. "The commitment of these funds will enable new projects that offer exceptional financial returns and significant energy and emissions benefits."

The $100 million in investment capital will be awarded to Dow business units and manufacturing sites that present projects with the greatest impact in several key performance areas, including reductions in energy use and greenhouse emissions and accelerated cost savings. To date, Dow business units have submitted around 60 projects, with a net present value totalling more than $500 million, nearly 8 trillion BTUs of energy savings and a reduction of over 400 thousand metric tons of CO2 emissions.

"Dow has focused on energy efficiency for decades and we have been very successful as evidenced by our past achievements in this area. Our extensive expertise in energy conservation at Dow has taught us that it’s one of most effective ways to cut energy costs and slash carbon emissions," said May.

From 1994 to 2010, Dow has saved 1,800 trillion Btu, which is the energy equivalent to powering all residential buildings throughout California for more than one and a half years. The Company's energy efficiency efforts have prevented more than 95 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from entering the atmosphere and have contributed cost savings of $9.4 billion.

Dow was recognized with four 2010 American Chemistry Council (ACC) Responsible Care Energy Efficiency Awards for programs that improved energy efficiency at three of its U.S. facilities, including Exceptional Merit awards for Freeport, Texas and Houston Dow Center, as well as West Alexandra, Ohio.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: Dow) combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

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.