The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, is honoring a select group of manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies, home builders and other organizations as 2010 Energy Star award winners. These organizations are being recognized for their long-term commitment to fighting climate change through greater energy efficiency. Two promotional industry suppliers, North Mankato, Minnesota-based 3M and Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Hanesbrands Inc. are among the 110 award winners chosen from more than 17,000 partners in the Energy Star program.
“EPA congratulates this year’s Energy Star award winners,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Their commitment to energy efficiency makes these organizations valuable partners in the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.”
Organizations are recognized in one of three major award categories: Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence. The 50 Sustained Excellence winners have continued to exhibit exceptional leadership year after year in the Energy Star program while remaining dedicated to environmental protection through superior energy efficiency. Forty organizations are receiving Partner of the Year for strategically and comprehensively managing their energy use. These organizations promote Energy Star products and practices in their own operations, in addition to providing efficient products and services to consumers and within their community. Twenty organizations are recognized with an Excellence award for a specific activity to promote energy-efficient products, homes or buildings thereby helping to expand the reach of the Energy Star program.
American consumers and businesses have been saving energy and protecting the environment for more than two decades by partnering with the EPA’s Energy Star program. In 2009 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved nearly $17 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles. To date, one million new homes and nearly 9,000 office buildings, schools, hospitals and public buildings have earned the Energy Star. Since 2000, three billion Energy Star certified products have been sold.
