September 22, 2008—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized 13 winners of the 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Awards for doing their part to save energy and fight climate change through effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions.
Together, these organizations reduced annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 860 tons, equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the average electricity use of more than 100 homes for one year, calculates EPA. The winners also demonstrated that improving energy efficiency is an effective low-cost solution, even in the face of significantly expanded business operations. Financial savings for this year’s winners totaled more than $160,000 in annual energy costs.
The energy-saving efforts of the winners include: lighting upgrades; improved insulation and sealing; installation of Energy Star qualified appliances and equipment; installation of solar arrays; and new, energy-efficient construction. Strategic operations and maintenance efforts, as well as education and outreach, were also fundamental to the success of this year’s winners, notes EPA.
Small businesses and congregations can cut utility costs by 25 percent or more without sacrificing features, convenience, style, or comfort while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment by strategically managing the energy performance of their facilities, asserts EPA.
The 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Award winners are:
- City Java (Orlando, FL)
- Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness (Albany, NY)
- Evelyn Hill Inc. (Liberty Island, NY)
- FXFOWLE (New York, NY)
- Hand Motors (Manchester Center, VT)
- Johnson Braund Design Group (Seattle, WA)
- Lambert Auto Sales (Claremont, NH)
- Long Island Village Realty (Syosset, NY)
- Pine Forest Camp (Greely, PA)
- Priority Communications (DuBois, PA)
- Congregation Or Shalom (Orange, CT)
- Dennis Union Church (Dennis, MA)
- Sparks United Methodist Church (Sparks, NV)
