OLYMPIA, Wash. – Five companies were honored today for leadership in improved energy performance at the second annual Washington Industrial Energy Leaders awards ceremony at the Capitol.
“Energy efficiency means an improved bottom line for industries, and I am proud of the commitment toward innovative energy savings demonstrated by the awardees,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “A strong economy and a cleaner environment for future generations are certainly important, and a thriving industrial sector helps create and maintain jobs in our state.”
The energy leaders program was designed to recognize companies that are making exceptional progress toward improved energy efficiency. The program is sponsored by the Washington State Unviersity Energy Program, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and Washington State Department of Commerce. Bonneville Power Administration is the founding sponsor.
A governor’s award for leadership by example went to Fitesa Washougal, Inc. – with Clark Public Utilities as the serving utility. Leadership in energy performance honors went to Georgia-Pacific LLC in Camas, Wash. – with Pacific Power as the utility. Leadership in innovation honors went to Cardinal Glass from Tumwater, Wash. – a Puget Sound Energy customer.
An honorable mention for leadership in energy performance was awarded to ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston from Paterson, Wash. – the Benton Rural Electric Association service territory. An honorable mention for leadership in innovation went to Nippon Paper Industries in Port Angeles, Wash. – a City of Port Angeles customer.
“Industry leaders are facing increased pressure to reduce operating costs and to do business in a more sustainable fashion,” said Jake Fey, director of the WSU Energy Program. “The most innovative are realizing that enhanced energy efficiency allows them to meet and accomplish both of these goals.”
“BPA is proud of the energy achievements by the companies within public power’s territory that are being honored,” said Richard Génecé, vice president of Energy Efficiency for BPA. “Their commitment to saving energy is indicative of the innovation and leadership that has made the Northwest a national leader in energy efficiency, and the example they set provides a roadmap for industrial organizations throughout the country to follow.“
Seventeen applications were submitted for consideration for an award, according to Christine Love, WSU Energy Program industrial services manager.
“Selection committee members agreed that each application highlighted some impressive accomplishments for the nominating businesses,” she said. “Each company that submitted an application can be proud of their efforts. Award winners represent the companies that ranked highest among this inspiring group.”
In addition to the governor’s awards, four utility sponsor awards also were presented. Microsoft from Redmond, Wash., received acknowledgement for Leadership by Example and Sonoco Products Co. from Sumner, Wash., and Cardinal Glass from Tumwater, Wash., were honored for Leadership in Innovation – all served by Puget Sound Energy. Foster Farms from Kelso, Wash. – served by Cowlitz Public Utility District – was recognized for Leadership in Energy Performance.
The awards ceremony included Inslee, executives from industry and their serving utilities, state leaders and representatives from energy efficiency organizations.
The winners also will be recognized during a special session at the Sixth Annual Northwest Industrial Energy Efficiency Summit on Jan. 15 in Portland, Ore.
Contacts:
Sheila Riggs, WSU Energy Program, 360-956-2074
Joel Scruggs, Bonneville Power Administration, 503-230-5511