by Jbs100509 a3 — October 7, 2009—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing 11 small businesses and congregations for their efforts to fight climate change. Through the use of effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions in their buildings, these award-winning organizations reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from the average electricity use of more than 1,000 homes, while saving nearly $900,000 annually on their energy bills, says EPA.
All the 2009 Energy Star Small Business and Congregations Award winners used tools and resources provided by EPA to develop their plans and measure and track their accomplishments. By strategically managing the energy performance of their facilities, these small businesses and congregations cut utility costs without sacrificing features, convenience, style, or comfort while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment, adds EPA.
The 2009 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Award winners are:
Small Businesses : Elephants Delicatessen (Portland, OR); Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY); MAINTCO Corporation (Burbank, CA); Old Town Trolley Tours (San Diego, CA); Preston Hood Chevrolet (Fort Walton Beach, FL); RCC Associates (Deerfield Beach, FL); and South Coast Mold, Inc. (Irvine, CA).
Congregations : First Baptist Church of Springdale and Shiloh Christian School (Springdale, AR); First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas (Dallas, TX); Idlewild Baptist Church (Lutz, FL); and Swarthmore Presbyterian Church (Swarthmore, PA).
