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Small Businesses and Congregations Fight Climate Change through Energy Efficiency and Innovation

Release Date: 09/16/2008
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

Boston, Mass. – Sept. 16, 2008) – Four New England organizations are among 13 groups selected by EPA for the 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Awards.

The New England groups include two congregations, one in Connecticut and one in Massachusetts, along with two small businesses located in Vermont and New Hampshire. They are being recognized for doing their part to save energy and fight climate change through effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions.

The four New England 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Award winners include:

- Congregation Or Shalom (Orange, Conn.)
- Dennis Union Church (Dennis, Mass.)
- Hand Motors (Manchester Center, Vt.)
- Lambert Auto Sales (Claremont, N.H.)

“These groups have successfully accepted the challenge of dealing with energy issues and set a terrific example for all companies and houses of worship across New England,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA New England. “We hope more small businesses and congregations across all New England states will follow their lead and maximize energy efficiency opportunities in their own operations.”

The four New England groups accounted for approximately one quarter of the reduced annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions calculated for the 13 national winners, or 210 tons of reduced CO2. This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the average electricity use of more than 25 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 the four New England winners totaled nearly $39,000 in annual energy costs.

The energy saving efforts of New England’s winners included: upgrading lighting, replacing an inefficient furnace, adding insulation, replacing water heaters, using waste motor and vegetable oil for heating, installing programmable thermostats, and shutting down computers at the end of the day.

Energy Star estimates that 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.

More information:

- 2008 Energy Star Small Business Award winners (www.energystar.gov/SmallBizAwards)

- 2008 Energy Star Congregation Award winners (www.energystar.gov/CongregationAwards)

- Energy Issues in New England (http://epa.gov/ne/eco/energy/index.html)