Cooper Tires is making a name for itself as an industry leader in energy efficiency. Cooper’s Texarkana, Arkansas facility was recently honored with multiple awards for its environmental efforts.

Last week, Cooper’s Texarkana plant was recognized as one of 93 facilities nationwide to receive the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Award. The Energy Saver Award honors plants that have achieved more than 7.5 percent in total energy savings.

Earlier this month, the Texarkana plant was also given the Diamond Award for Environmental Leadership by the Arkansas Environmental Federation. The Diamond Award recognizes companies that demonstrate initiative or leadership in managing environmental affairs.

Over the past two years, Cooper has saved more than $1.6 million through energy conservation efforts. The Texarkana facility has completed 42 self-sustaining energy projects and currently has 22 active projects, which could save an additional $1.5 million over the next 18 months.

According to Cooper, the plant has also reduced landfill disposal by 35 percent during the last two years and saved more than $225,000 in disposal costs and marketing of recyclables. Facility engineers also undertook various waste minimization projects, including the reuse of carbon black dust and recycling used hydraulic fluid. The facility also reduced water usage by more than 16 percent during the last two years.

Cooper’s environmental initiative is raising industry standards and has allowed Cooper to become the first and only tire manufacturer to earn the Department of Energy’s Energy Star Partnership designation.