WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored 76 businesses, groups and government entities for their outstanding commitment to the ENERGY STAR® program.  Organizations recognized have achieved major energy savings and/or are helping consumers save money while also increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.  Following opening remarks from Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman, awards were presented to several ENERGY STAR® partners last night, at the annual ENERGY STAR® Awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

“There are incredible opportunities to increase and maximize energy efficiency in our homes, businesses and industrial facilities,” Secretary Bodman said. “The innovative products offered by our 12,000 ENERGY STAR partners are making energy efficiency possible, attractive and advantageous for American consumers.  The ENERGY STAR program successfully empowers consumers to participate directly in securing our energy future and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Over the past year, ENERGY STAR®, with industry partners, it has helped consumers make smart energy choices, saving more than $16 billion on their electric bills and displacing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 27 million vehicles.  While saving energy, ENERGY STAR® products maintain or surpass quality standards and offer improved features and personal comfort.

ENERGY STAR® is a joint DOE-EPA program, formed in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership that seeks to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency.  DOE and EPA work to offer businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy and money, while also helping to protect our environment.  More than 12,000 organizations have joined ENERGY STAR® as partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.  The ENERGY STAR® label appears on more than 40 kinds of consumer products.  To learn more about ENERGY STAR®, visit EnergyStar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES.

DOE highlighted eight ENERGY STAR® Award winners in the following categories:
Whirlpool Corporation: Sustained Excellence Award – Appliance Manufacturer
GE Consumer & Industrial: Sustained Excellence Award – Appliances & Lighting Manufacturer
Gorell Enterprises, Inc.: Sustained Excellence Award – Windows, Doors and Skylights
Osram Sylvania: Sustained Excellence Award - Lighting Manufacturer
Pella Corporation: Partner of the Year - Window Manufacturer
ProVia Door, Inc.: Partner of the Year - Door Manufacturer
Bosch Home Appliances: Excellence in ENERGY STAR® Promotion – Appliance
Best Buy: Excellence in Appliance Retailing

Media contact(s):
Julie Ruggiero, (202) 586-4940