WASHINGTON – The 2017 Stars of Energy Efficiency awards, honoring the top energy efficiency innovators, will be presented to American Water, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Itron, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Schneider Electric and 7-Eleven, the Alliance to Save Energy (Alliance) announced today. The awards will be conferred before nearly 400 leaders from industry, government and the non-profit sectors at the 25th annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner on September 14 in Washington, D.C.

“Energy efficiency is a field of innovation and these six winners are at the cutting edge,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “These honorees are each taking a lead in building a more efficient and productive economy, protecting the environment and strengthening our energy security. We are delighted to give them the praise they deserve for doing more with less.”

American Water is receiving the Innovative Award for its pioneering Geothermal System at William Buck Elementary in Valley Stream, NY. This project utilizes a new method for geothermal systems that maintains functionality while reducing installation costs. This innovative system provides heating and cooling to the building, while also saving the school 41,000 kBTU /square foot/year.

"This project demonstrates American Water's commitment to using innovation and collaboration to better serve our customers,” said American Water President and CEO Susan Story.  “By using existing utility infrastructure for multiple purposes, we were able to partner with the local community in Valley Stream, NY, reduce costs to the school district and provide a better learning environment for the students."

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is being honored with the Transportation Award for its game-changing all-electric vehicle technology, which is driving energy conservation in the sector.  The Bolt EV is the first long-range, affordably priced electric vehicle, and it achieves an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles of zero-emission driving per full charge. The Bolt EV is positioned to transform the market by offering superior drivability in an affordable, energy-efficient product.   

Craig Glidden, general counsel and executive vice president of law and public policy for General Motors, said, “We are honored to receive the Alliance to Save Energy’s Transportation Award for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a transformative vehicle that drivers will love. The Bolt EV is poised to save American consumers millions in avoided fuel costs this year and help change the future of transportation.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has announced the selection of Itron to receive this year’s Chairman’s Award from the Alliance. Itron is being recognized for its breakthrough OpenWay® Riva technology for smart utilities and smart cities. OpenWay Riva utilizes distributed intelligence, machine-to-machine learning and advanced network communications to drive significant improvements in energy efficiency and water resource management as well as reduction of losses and waste.

Philip Mezey, president and CEO of Itron, said, “We are honored to be recognized by Senator Shaheen and the Alliance for the game-changing capabilities of our OpenWay Riva solution. With this technology, we are helping utilities, cities, businesses and citizens manage precious energy and water resources more intelligently, which drives economic benefit for all.”

National Renewable Energy Laboratory is receiving the Charles H. Percy Award for Public Service in recognition of 40 years of leadership in advancing energy efficiency and clean technology. Throughout its history, NREL has been at the forefront of innovation, from high-performance building efficiency with research into “Whole Building” and “Net Zero Energy” design, to fuel efficiency and sustainable transportation innovations. NREL boasts a long history of energy management research and consultation that has helped transform nearly every aspect of energy use.

Dr. Martin Keller from NREL said, “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire NREL team that has helped put our laboratory at the forefront of energy innovation for the past 40 years. We look forward to continuing to transform how we use energy, for the next 40 years and beyond.”

Schneider Electric is receiving the Industry & Manufacturing Award for its commitment to comprehensive improvements in energy intensity. Schneider reached the Better Plants goal of a 25 percent improvement in energy intensity within seven years, which is three years ahead of the 10-year program period. This goal was met through multiple energy efficiency projects across their 24 plants, including improved productivity in fabrication, upgraded high- and low-bay lighting, HVAC system upgrades, and decommissioning outdated equipment. The company’s U.S. Green manufacturing plan also includes programs such as zero landfilling, everBlue on water conservation, and proactive renewable electricity adoption.

“Reduced energy use in our facilities – enabled by our own EcoStruxure™ Plant architecture that brings together energy efficient products, metering solutions, building management systems, and Energy & Resource software suite EcoStruxure^TM Resource Advisor™ – is extremely important to Schneider Electric both from a business and sustainability standpoint, and a key value proposition to our customers who want to improve their operations in a safe and sustainable way,” said Annette Clayton, CEO & President, North America Operations, Schneider Electric. “Improvements driven by the Better Plants program demonstrate the breadth of possibility in energy conservation for all types of businesses – a contribution to their bottom line and to the wise use of our energy resources.”

7-Eleven is being honored with the Built Environment Award for its commitment to reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. 7-Eleven has successfully decreased electricity use in store operations by an estimated 21 percent over the past seven years through installing LED lighting, energy management systems and high-efficiency HVAC units.

CEO Joseph DePinto said, “As the convenience retail leader, we’re proud to be setting an example in maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability. Over the past seven years, we’ve invested in capital improvements in our stores saving 458,000 megawatt hours each year and reducing our energy footprint. This is good for the environment, and it’s good for our bottom line. We’re committed to continuing this work, and we’re honored to accept this award from the Alliance to Save Energy.”

About the Alliance to Save Energy

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is the leading energy efficiency coalition in the nation – a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders advocating for enhanced energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy. Our mission is to promote energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and energy security.