The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized eight small businesses and two congregations for their energy efficiency efforts that have prevented over one million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and saved $66,000 in annual utility costs. The agency gives Energy Star awards to small businesses, congregations, institutions, and associations that promote energy efficiency in their facilities.
“Whether you are running a place of business, or a place of worship, getting the most out of your energy dollars just makes sense,” said U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
Small businesses and congregations that invest strategically can cut utility costs 25%-30% without sacrificing service, style, or comfort, while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment. The efficiency improvements made by the 10 winners are wide ranging, and include lighting upgrades, improved insulation, installation of door and window seals, purchase of Energy Star qualified appliances and equipment, and use of daylighting. The savings from some upgrades paid for themselves in as little as three months.
In addition to the small business and congregation winners, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light (MiIPL) received a special award for its efforts to promote energy efficiency among its members. MiIPL is one of 18 state affiliates of the national IPL organizations and includes nearly 100 Michigan congregations. Among its programs MiIPL provides free energy audits and operates an online store to facilitate bulk purchasing of Energy Star qualified equipment at discounts of up to 30% off average retail costs. Participants in MiIPL’s programs have saved approximately $775,000 annually in energy costs.
The 2006 Energy Star small business winners are:
* Basil Bandwagon Natural Market and Basil Brook Organic Farm, Flemington, NJ
* Gehman & Company, Mechanicsburg, PA
* Myobz LLC, Carlsbad, CA (operator of three Shell gasoline stations and convenience markets in Yuma, AZ)
* RBR-Recumbent BikeRiders, Inc., State College, PA
* Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co., Dewart, PA
* The Music Mart, Inc., State College, PA
* T.J.’s Market, Hughesville, PA
* Tripps Grill and Six Pack, North Bend, PA
The congregation winners are:
* Keystone Community Church, Ada, MI
* San Francisco Zen Center, San Francisco, CA
Energy Star is a voluntary, market-based partnership designed to offer business and consumers effective energy efficiency solutions for saving energy, money, and the environment. More information about the 2006 Small Business and Congregations Award Winners is available at the EPA Web site.
