EPA RECOGNIZES the North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance WITH 2012 ENERGY STAR AWARD for EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY STAR® PROMOTION

North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance earns award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency   [Partner name] earns award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency 

Boone, NC; March 1, 2012 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named the North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance as a winner of a 2012 ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by sponsoring significant consumer education efforts promoting energy-efficient homes. The accomplishments of the North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2012, which marks the 20^th anniversary of ENERGY STAR.

The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2010, is being honored for their work in promoting construction techniques, products, and third-party verified homes that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance (NCEEA) has excelled in stakeholder education, bridging communication gaps between lenders, appraisers, real estate brokers, home builders, HVAC contractors, and home energy raters. Their educational efforts have been highlighted by energy efficiency seminars offering continuing education credits to diverse groups of industry professionals in North Carolina, as well as the development and delivery of individual workshops and technical consultation for Alliance members upon request. In addition, the NCEEA has implemented a strategic direct-to-consumer education and outreach campaign that has reached millions of consumers across North Carolina and the surrounding region. Never before has an organization taken such a comprehensive approach to support the infrastructure of the home building industry in an effort to expand energy efficiency across the state. 

“The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance’s partnership with ENERGY STAR is an important way for us to serve both consumers and industry professionals, showing them how energy-efficient ENERGY STAR Homes offer a high level of comfort, durability, and money savings, in addition to protecting the environment,” said Chuck Perry, Program Manager for the NCEEA. “We are committed to continuing this important partnership to promote energy efficient construction, both in North Carolina and across the country.”

Over the past 20 years, American families and businesses have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from more than 350 million vehicles with help from ENERGY STAR.

The 2012 Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award is given to a variety of organizations in recognition of their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award winners are selected from about 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“As we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA is proud to recognize The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance with the 2012 ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The NCEEA and all our ENERGY STAR award winners truly demonstrate how the leadership and commitment from EPA’s partners has made a difference in the lives of Americans since 1992, saving them billions of dollars in energy costs and improving the health of our families, the planet and our future.”

 

About The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance About [Partner]

The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance is a grant funded organization chartered in August of 2010 with ARRA funding administered through the NC Energy Office. The Alliance is a partnership between Appalachian State University, The NC Solar Center, Advanced Energy, and Southern Energy Management. The ongoing mission of the Alliance is to expand energy efficiency in the construction industry by way of consumer education and industry collaboration across the region. To help support this continued effort, to become an NCEEA member, or to learn more about the Alliance visit www.ncenergystar.org or reach them by phone at 828-262-8331.  

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. Now celebrating its 20^th anniversary, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. About 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).