ALBANY, N.Y. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as a leader in energy efficiency. As a partner in the Energy Star program, NYSERDA was recognized for its accomplishments at an awards ceremony in Washington on April 15.

A partner in the program since 1998, NYSERDA was honored for its efforts to raise awareness about the Energy Star program through its Home Performance with Energy Star initiative, which is a public service developed under the New York Energy $mart program. Home Performance with Energy Star focuses on testing and treating existing homes to help New Yorkers save up to 40 percent on monthly energy bills, help reduce environmental impact, and also help make the home safer, healthier, and more comfortable. The testing and improvements are conducted by specially trained Certified Home Performance Contractors. The Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes, provides the certification.

"NYSERDA is pleased to be a part of the Energy Star program," said Peter R. Smith, acting president of NYSERDA. "Under Governor Pataki's leadership, we have made the Energy Star program a cornerstone of our energy efficiency program. Being able to offer New Yorkers affordable and energy-efficient options that save money while protecting the environment has been key to helping reduce energy use in New York."