WASHINGTON - Energy Star award winners, including Food Lion, GE Consumer & Industrial, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), are among those showcased in a report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report, “Profiles in Leadership, 2008 Energy Star Award Winners,” highlights 74 award-winning organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy, including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, chemicals, and home building.

“EPA applauds these organizations for preserving our environment and our energy resources,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Whether you are running a business or a school, these energy all-stars prove a brighter future starts with each of us.”

The award winners were selected from over 12,000 organizations that partner in the Energy Star program. Through their efforts, the winners have made substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by means of energy efficiency and awareness.

In 2007, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles, said EPA. To date, more than 2.5 billion Energy Star qualified products have been sold, and nearly 840,000 new homes and 4,000 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings have earned the Energy Star.

Energy Star was introduced by the EPA in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Star offers businesses and consumers solutions to save energy, money, and help protect the environment. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.

Publication date: 04/14/2008