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EPA Recognizes Regional New England Energy Non Profit as Energy Star Leader for 2001

Release Date: 03/27/2002
Contact Information: Mark Merchant, EPA Boston Press Office (617) 918-1013

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc. (NEEP) – a non-profit organization founded in 1996 to steadily increase energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industry throughout the Northeast – and its sponsors were honored last night by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to ensure progress on energy efficiency and reduce emissions of global warming gases.

At a presentation in Washington, D.C., EPA Administrator Christie Whitman awarded NEEP an Energy Star Partner Award. It was one of 36 awards given to companies and organizations nationwide, and one of four in New England.

NEEP and its sponsors received an Energy Star Excellence in Consumer Education Award for the "There's a Better Way to Save Energy" program that promoted consumer awareness and understanding of the Energy Star program, as well as increased sales of Energy Star products. The program used an integrated marketing strategy including multi-media outreach, public relations and promotions throughout New England.

"Successful partnerships have always been integral to achieving our environmental protection goals," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "We honor the 2002 Energy Star Partner Award winners who serve as models to other businesses and organizations, proving you can improve our environment while saving energy and money."

In 2001 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $5 billion in energy costs and reduced pollution equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road. More than 750 million Energy Star products have been sold, more than 55,000 new homes have earned the Energy Star label and more than 10,000 office buildings, schools, supermarkets and hotels have benchmarked their energy performance as a basis for future progress. All this has been accomplished without sacrificing product features, quality or personal comfort.

"The Energy Star program has already saved New England consumers and businesses $1.9 billion. One of our biggest priorities now is to expand this voluntary program," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "To do this, partnerships between EPA and groups like NEEP are essential. NEEP's efforts have been outstanding. I want to thank them and I know they will continue their support of Energy Star in the future."

NEEP Executive Director Sue Coakley said, "NEEP is proud of our sponsors and their partnership with the Energy Star program. We are pleased to help consumers save energy and protect the environment by building awareness of energy efficiency and creating a preference for Energy Star labeled products."

Energy Star is a voluntary partnership started in 1992 between business, government and others united to protect our environment for future generations by changing to energy-efficient practices today. Businesses can use Energy Star to improve efficiency, enhance profits and create a competitive advantage. The program has more than 7,000 partners.

"For 10 years the Energy Star program has inspired energy efficiency in businesses and organizations throughout the country. We look forward to another 10 years of working with our partners towards increased environmental protection," said Whitman.

As part of his Energy Plan, President Bush called for an expansion of the Energy Star program. The EPA has been working to expand the program to include additional buildings and products such as grocery stores, health care facilities and ceiling fans. In addition, last fall the agency launched a public awareness campaign to educate more Americans about their choices in saving energy and money.

For more information about the Energy Star program, contact Cindy Jacobs at 202-564-1129 or go to http://www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.

For more information about Energy Star products, please visit http://www.betterwaytosave.com

The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc. and its "There's A Better Way to Save" program sponsors include the Cape Light Compact, The Connecticut Light & Power Company (Northeast Utilities), Efficiency Vermont, Granite State Electric Company (National Grid), Keyspan Energy Delivery, Long Island Power Authority, Massachusetts Electric Company (National Grid), Nantucket Electric Company (National Grid), Narragansett Electric Company (National Grid), NStar Electric, The United Illuminating Company, Unitil/Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company (Northeast Utilities).

For more information about Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc., visit http://www.neep.org