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Small Businesses and Congregations Fight Climate Change through Energy Efficiency and Innovation - EPA Names 13 New Energy Star Winners

Release Date: 09/16/2008
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 16, 2008) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the 13 winners of the 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Awards. This year's winners are recognized for doing their part to save energy and fight climate change through effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions.

Together, these award winning 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. 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.

"EPA applauds these award winners for preserving our environment and our energy resources," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Whether you are running an auto dealership or a summer camp, these energy all-stars prove a brighter future starts with each one of us."

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.

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.

The 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Award winners are:

• Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness (Albany, N.Y.)
• Evelyn Hill Inc. (Liberty Island, N.Y.)
• FXFOWLE (New York, N.Y.)
• Hand Motors (Manchester Center, Vt.)
• Johnson Braund Design Group (Seattle, Wash.)
• Lambert Auto Sales (Claremont, N.H.)
• Long Island Village Realty (Syosset, N.Y.)
• National Benefit Service Center Inc. dba City Java (Orlando, Fla.)
• Pine Forest Camp (Greely, Pa.)
• Priority Communications (DuBois, Pa.)
• Congregation Or Shalom (Orange, Conn.)
• Dennis Union Church (Dennis, Mass.)
• Sparks United Methodist Church (Sparks, Nev.)

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

To learn more about the 2008 Energy Star Small Business Award winners and to view the interactive map, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/SmallBizAwards

To learn more about the 2008 Energy Star Congregation Award winners and to view the interactive map, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/CongregationAwards