Recipients to be honored at the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner

The Alliance to Save Energy is pleased to announce the 2014 Star of Energy Efficiency Award recipients, each an innovative and steadfast leader in the energy efficiency community.  

Congratulations to the 2014 Stars of Energy Efficiency:

MGM Resorts International is the recipient of the Galaxy Star award for reducing energy use in their Las Vegas properties over 420 million kWh and reducing annual carbon equivalent emissions by 100,000 metric tons through their Green Advantage sustainability platform.

Nest Labs, Inc. is being honored with the Super Nova Star award for the learning capability of its Nest Learning Thermostat along with its energy partnerships and Nest energy services, which have helped consumers across the country save money and reduce their energy usage.

National Housing Trust is this year's Andromeda Star award recipient for creating partnerships between utilities and state governments that have resulted in utilities committing $40 million to reduce energy consumption in multifamily rental housing, and for achieving a combined annual average savings of 54,000 MMBtu and almost 34,500 MWh.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is receiving the Innovative Star award for achieving net-zero annual energy usage through its energy-efficient Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which is designed to be the first building to exceed four of the highest green construction standards.

“The Alliance’s Stars of Energy Efficiency award recipients are each being recognized as innovative and dedicated advocates for energy productivity. Across sectors, they are proving that energy efficiency is a cause that deserves committed resources and support. With such strong leadership, I have no doubt the practices of these exceptional organizations will one day become the norm,” said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is being honored with the Innovative Star of Energy Efficiency Award. “At Phipps, our new Center for Sustainable Landscapes is expected to meet all three of the world’s highest green construction and operation standards: LEED Platinum and 4 Stars Sustainable SITES, both of which we have already earned, and the Living Building Challenge for which we have already achieved net-zero energy certification. We’re proud to have been recognized by the Alliance as an organization that is transforming the energy efficiency market,” said Phipps Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini.

MGM Resorts International is being recognized with the Galaxy Star of Energy Efficiency Award for having reduced annual energy usage at MGM Resorts by 14% since 2007, among other accomplishments. “Developments in energy efficiency are critical for the future,” said Cindy Ortega, chief sustainability officer of MGM Resorts International. “Our philosophy is demonstrated through the comprehensive programs we implement to reduce energy consumption. We are honored to receive the “Galaxy” Star of Energy Efficiency Award from the Alliance to Save Energy, a thought leader in energy efficiency. It affirms our efforts and provides us with motivation to continue driving innovation at our resorts, in the community and for our guests.”

Nest Labs, Inc., a company that has achieved 1.5 billion kWh of energy savings over the past three years, is being recognized with the Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency Award. 

Michael Bodaken, president of National Housing Trust noted, “We are pleased the Alliance is recognizing the contributions the National Housing Trust has made to advance energy efficient, healthy homes for families at all income levels. The Andromeda Star of Energy Efficiency Award recognizes both NHT and our partners’ engagement in the field to forge new and creative cross-sector partnerships among affordable housing providers and investors, utilities, regulators, and influential energy efficiency allies. Through these partnerships, utilities have committed to investing $40 million in energy efficiency for multifamily rental housing. We look forward to building upon this success because reducing energy waste in multifamily housing is fundamental to a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy as well as helping low income families live in healthy, affordable housing.”

Each year, the Star of Energy Efficiency Awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, government programs and learning institutions that have demonstrated  a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.

In the coming weeks, the Alliance will formally announce additional award recipients for the International Star, Charles H. Percy Award for Public Service, and Chairman’s Award categories. All will be honored at the 2014 Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner on September 23^rd, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

Adding to a great day for energy efficiency, the Alliance will also host Energy 2030 On the Hill, a half-day policy summit on Capitol Hill the morning of September 23^rd. More details on the Summit will be made available at www.ase.org later this month.