March 18, 2010

EPA RECOGNIZES NYSERDA WITH 2010 ENERGY STAR® SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD

NYSERDA earns award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency

Albany, NY - March 18, 2010 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) a 2010 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. NYSERDA’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010.

“I thank EPA for this award and its recognition of the sustained excellence that NYSERDA staff and our contractors have demonstrated in achieving greater energy efficiency through ENERGY STAR,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.

NYSERDA, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. NYSERDA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, New York ENERGY STAR Homes, ENERGY STAR Products, and Commercial and Industrial programs are helping New York residents and businesses save energy, reduce energy costs, and lessen the negative impact energy can have on the environment. Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through participation in ENERGY STAR.

Last year alone Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.

“Energy Efficiency is a cornerstone of New York’s energy policy. As we continue our commitment to increasing energy efficiency, we view our ENERGY STAR partnership as an important way to join in the fight to address climate change and reduce energy consumption in New York State,” said Murray.

The 2010 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"EPA is recognizing NYSERDA with our highest ENERGY STAR award - the 2010 Sustained Excellence Award,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.”NYSERDA’s continued leadership and commitment to energy efficiency is a testament to what we can accomplish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our global environment.”

2009 NYSERDA Highlights

• Nearly 1,700 New York ENERGY STAR Homes were built in 2009, avoiding nearly $1.5 million in energy costs and saving 3,294,934 kWh of electricity and 101,192 MMBTUs of fossil fuels.
• Nearly 500 builders and 50 HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Raters participated in the New York ENERGY STAR Homes Program in 2009 and more than 1,300 builders and HERS raters have participated in the program since its inception.
• More than 200 companies participated in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.
• More than 5,000 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR jobs were completed in 2009, with more than $1.8 million in annual energy savings.
• More than 252,000 total unique visitors to GetEnergySmart.org in 2009.
• More than 1,000 ENERGY STAR retailers now sell and promote ENERGY STAR Qualified Products, with more than 65 new retail partners added in 2009.
• More than 2,100 individuals trained or certified as part of NYSERDA’s energy efficiency workforce-development initiatives.
• More than 275 commercial buildings, representing over 150 million gross square footage (1/3 of total commercial office square footage of New York City), have been benchmarked through the Focus on Commercial Real Estate Program.
• The Focus on K-12 Schools Program has benchmarked more than 925 K-12 schools in over 200 districts, with the average school reducing energy consumption by 22 percent and lowering carbon dioxide emissions by 18 percent.

About NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State’s economy. For more information about NYSERDA, please visit NYSERDA or call 1-866-NYSERDA.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit ENERGY STAR  or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

Contact:
Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3359
cqr@nyserda.ny.gov