LEHIGH VALLEY, Penn. — Mack Trucks says it is reducing the CO2 output from its Macungie truck plant by 215.3 tons per year, as a result of working with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to identify ways to reduce its energy consumption.

This is the third year Mack has worked with a Climate Corps fellow from the organization to reduce its environmental footprint at the plant.

“Working with EDF Climate Corps fellows has helped to enhance the commitment the facility has to energy savings by helping to identify attractive energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and by calculating potential cost savings,” said Rick Robinson, director of health, safety and the environment.

The 2013 EDF Climate Corps project saw Mack implement a multi-phase plan to install occupancy sensors, solar LED parking lot lighting and solar tubular skylights. It expects to save 291 MW of electricity per year. Mack says it will have implemented the majority of the recommendations by the second quarter of 2014.

The recommendations come from EDF Climate Corps fellows, who are leading graduate students from the country’s top academic programs. They’ve been specially trained to work with companies, cities and universities to champion energy efficiency.

“EDF Climate Corps is a cost- effective solution for organizations, like Mack Trucks, looking to develop customized energy investment plans,” said Victoria Mills, managing director, EDF Climate Corps. “We are pleased that Mack Trucks turns to EDF Climate Corps year after year to advance its energy management practices, cut carbon emissions and save money.”

“Participating in EDF Climate Corps and each of our energy saving initiatives is something that we are passionate about,” said Roger Johnston, vice president and general manager of Macungie Cab and Vehicle Assembly. “Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond the trucks we manufacture to the facility in which we manufacture them.”