EPA RECOGNIZES NORTHEAST ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVE WITH 2014 ENERGY STAR^® SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE AWARD 

Cape Light Compact, in partnership with Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships earns 15^TH consecutive award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency

LEXINGTON, MA, April 15, 2014 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Cape Light Compact as part of the Northeast Retail Products Initiative a 2014 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. The Initiative, facilitated by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) and made up of utilities and energy efficiency program administrators in New England, New York, and Washington D.C., will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 2014.

An ENERGY STAR Partner since 2000, the Northeast Retail Products Initiative will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. During the last 14 years, the Initiative has won 15 awards including six Excellence Awards, one award for Excellence in Product Labeling, and eight Sustained Excellence Awards- the most prestigious.

For over a decade, the Initiative has been collaborating to build greater market awareness and availability of energy efficient lighting, consumer electronics, and appliance products throughout the region. The Massachusetts electric companies and energy efficiency providers hosted over 65 promotional events at community centers, big box and independent retailers, corporations, schools, universities, and towns. Several non- profit organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Ellie Fund for breast cancer research, and school campaigns held fundraisers supported by CFL and APS promotions.  Cooperative advertising funding was offered to manufacturers and retailers for enhanced marketing campaigns. Additionally, alternative approaches to generate sales in ENERGY STAR lighting were achieved byspecialized vendors at approximately 80 events.

“Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships is committed to speeding the adoption of high efficiency products in the region through our partnership with Cape Light Compact in the Retail Products Initiative,” said Sue Coakley, Executive Director of NEEP. “By leveraging our resources, our initiative, which collectively serves over 15 million households, is able to yield more energy and cost savings for families and businesses than through individual program efforts.”

“We are very proud of Cape Light Compact for their tremendous efforts in helping to make the Northeast a sustained leader in energy efficiency,” Coakley added. “Our success for the region is a direct result of the commitment they dedicate to accelerating energy efficiency for our environment, our economy, and our communities.” 

Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through their participation in ENERGY STAR. Through 2013, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved $297 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2014 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through superior energy efficiency. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, and employing innovative energy efficiency approaches. 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 the 16,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

Participants of the Northeast Retail Products Initiative honored by the ENERGY STAR Award include: