September 25, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized eight small businesses and two congregations for their energy-efficiency operations that prevented over 1 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and saved $66,000 in annual utility costs over the last year. EPA also recognized an energy-efficiency organization in Michigan.
The agency gives Energy Star awards to small businesses and congregations, institutions, and associations that promote energy efficiency in their facilities. According to EPA, small businesses and congregations that invest strategically can cut utility costs 25-30 percent without sacrificing service, style or comfort, while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment.
The efficiency improvements made by the ten winners are wide ranging, and include lighting upgrades, improved insulation, installation of door and window seals, purchase of Energy Star qualified appliances and equipment, and use of daylighting. The savings from some upgrades reportedly paid for themselves in as little as three months.
The 2006 Energy Star small business winners are: Basil Bandwagon Natural Market and Basil Brook Organic Farm of Flemington, NJ; Gehman & Company of Mechanicsburg, PA; Myobz LLC of Carlsbad, CA (operator of three Shell gasoline stations and convenience markets in Yuma, AZ); RBR-Recumbent BikeRiders, Inc. of State College, PA; Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. of Dewart, PA; The Music Mart, Inc. of State College, PA; TJ’s Market of Hughesville, PA; and Tripps Grill and Six Pack of North Bend, PA.
The congregation winners are: Keystone Community Church of Ada, MI; and San Francisco Zen Center of San Francisco, CA.
In addition, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light (MiIPL) received a special award for its efforts to promote energy efficiency among its members. MiIPL is one of 18 state affiliates of the national IPL organizations and includes nearly 100 Michigan congregations. Among its programs MiIPL provides free energy audits and operates an online store to facilitate bulk purchasing of Energy Star qualified equipment at discounts of up to 30 percent off average retail costs. Participants in MiIPL’s programs have saved approximately $775,000 annually in energy costs.
For more information about Energy Star or the 2006 Small Business and Congregations Award Winners, visit EPA.
