Congratulations to the 2009 Inspiring Efficiency Award Winners!
Inspiring Efficiency LEADERSHIP Award – Jim Doyle, Governor, Wisconsin (www.cleanenergy.wi.gov)
Presented to the organization or individual who has served as a strong leader in support of energy efficiency in their city, state, region, company, or community.
Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has been a champion of energy efficiency, introducing two key initiatives: Clean Energy Wisconsin, his plan for energy independence and improving the deployment of energy-efficient technologies; and an energy efficiency, renewable energy and global warming task force. Doyle, through the state Department of Commerce expects to award $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development, commercialization or adoption of new
_____________________________________________________________________
Inspiring Efficiency EDUCATION Award – Interstate Power and Light Co.
(alliantenergy.com)
Presented for the development and implementation of a local campaign, program, strategy, or idea to increase knowledge and action on energy efficiency.
Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL), an Alliant Energy company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, developed an innovative customer education and awareness program that promoted personal responsibility in relation to energy efficiency. IPL mailed Personal Electric and Natural Gas Use History letters to all residential customers and offered an array of actions steps, from sending away for a cash rebates booklet to conducting an online do-it-yourself energy audit or arranging an onsite walk-through Home Energy Audit performed by an energy expert. In total, over 800,000 letters were sent.
_____________________________________________________________________
Inspiring Efficiency IMPACT Award – Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
(www.oriones.com)
Presented for significant contribution to market transformation either through the implementation of a specific program or through a policy change that has reduced energy consumption and/or increased market penetration of energy-efficient products.
Orion Energy Systems, of Manitowoc, WI, designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting, controls and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers. Orion’s patented high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting platform uses 50 percent less energy than traditional HID technologies. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced 357 megawatts, enough electricity to power more than 298,000 homes, saved companies more than $400 million in energy costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 million tons.
_____________________________________________________________________
Inspiring Efficiency MARKETING Award – Wisconsin Focus On Energy
(www.focusonenergy.com)
Presented for engaging in or supporting a marketing campaign, program, strategy, or idea to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products and/or best practices in the Midwest.
Focus on Energy, of Madison, WI, is a collaborative organization that works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
In order to inspire more people to embrace energy efficiency, the organization launched the Home Energy Makeover – an innovative contest-driven marketing campaign designed to combine the allure of reality TV with the nation’s growing interest in energy efficiency. The campaign gave residents of Milwaukee the chance to win a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade for the home. Promotions using banner ads, television spots and segments on morning television, featured regular updates on the transformation of the winning home.
_____________________________________________________________________
Inspiring Efficiency INNOVATION Award – Keyser Visual, A Division of the Keyser Group (www.keyser-group.com)
Presented for developing and implementing a new and innovative program, idea or policy in the Midwest.
Keyser Visual, of Evergreen Park, IL, provides visual merchandising solutions, signage and menu boards to the quick service restaurant industry. The company showcased its substantial investment in energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) technology through a complete interior and exterior conversion from traditional light sources to LEDs at one of the nation’s leading fast food chain restaurants. The conversion will save over 16,000 kilowatts hours annually in that one facility, demonstrating the benefits of a comprehensive approach to LED conversion over a socket- by-socket approach. Additionally, the project included an innovative Web-enabled tool to track LED installation, validate kilowatt reduction and lower carbon emissions.