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EPA Recognizes Natick, Mass. Company as Energy Star Leader

Release Date: 03/27/2002
Contact Information: Mark Merchant, EPA Boston Press Office (617) 918-1013

WASHINGTON, D.C. – BJ's Wholesale Club – a warehouse store chain headquartered in Natick, Mass. – was honored last night by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce global warming gases.

At a presentation in Washington, D.C., EPA Administrator Christie Whitman awarded BJ's an Energy Star Partner Award. It was one of 36 awards given to companies and organizations nationwide, and one of four in New England.

BJ's was presented with an Energy Star Excellence in Energy Management Award for its commitment to sound energy management through investments in energy efficient lighting, energy management systems, high-efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and energy benchmarking in its stores across the country. Through these efforts, the company saved over $1 million in energy costs and 12 million kilowatt hours of electricity in 2001.

"Successful partnerships have always been integral to achieving our environmental protection goals," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "We honor the 2002 Energy Star Partner Award winners who serve as models to other businesses and organizations, proving you can improve our environment while saving energy and money."

In 2001 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $5 billion in energy costs and reduced pollution equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road. More than 750 million Energy Star products have been sold, more than 55,000 new homes have earned the Energy Star label and more than 10,000 office buildings, schools, supermarkets and hotels have benchmarked their energy performance as a basis for future progress. All this has been accomplished without sacrificing product features, quality or personal comfort.

"The Energy Star program has already saved New England consumers and businesses $1.9 billion. One of our biggest priorities now is to expand this voluntary program," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "To do this, partnerships between EPA and companies like BJ's are essential. BJ's efforts have been outstanding. I want to thank them and I know they will continue their support of Energy Star in the future."

"BJ's is pleased to partner with Energy Star on this important effort," said Jack Nugent, president and chief executive officer of BJ's Wholesale Club. "As an Energy Star partner, BJ's is proud of the energy cost savings we have achieved as well as the benefits to the environment and the communities we serve. It's a true win-win situation."

Energy Star is a voluntary partnership started in 1992 between business, government and others united to protect our environment for future generations by changing to energy-efficient practices today. Businesses can use Energy Star to improve efficiency, enhance profits and create a competitive advantage. The program has more than 7,000 partners.

"For 10 years the Energy Star program has inspired energy efficiency in businesses and organizations throughout the country. We look forward to another 10 years of working with our partners towards increased environmental protection," said Whitman.

As part of his Energy Plan, President Bush called for an expansion of the Energy Star program. The EPA has been working to expand the program to include additional buildings and products such as grocery stores, health care facilities and ceiling fans. In addition, last fall the agency launched a public awareness campaign to educate more Americans about their choices in saving energy and money.

For more information about the Energy Star program, contact Cindy Jacobs at 202-564-1129 or go to http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.

For more information about Energy Star products, please visit http://www.betterwaytosave.com