The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have teamed up to improve the energy efficiency of the manufacturing industry.

The two groups have signed an agreement to challenge the 14,000 member companies of NAM to cut their energy use by 10 percent or more as part of the EPA Energy Star Challenge. The EPA will work with members on setting up energy management programs, training, sharing best practices and recognizing achievements.

The industrial sector consumes a third of the energy used in the United States and is responsible for almost a third of the country's carbon dioxide emissions. The EPA estimates that if the manufacturing sector reduced its energy use by 10 percent, manufacturers would save almost $10.4 billion.

“Energy efficiency is critical to a clean environment and to energy security," NAM President and CEO John Engler said in a statement. "Building upon U.S. manufacturers' leadership in this area makes good economic and business sense.”