by Brianna Crandall — February 11, 2011—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing two companies for innovative energy technologies, and four communities for their efforts to improve seniors’ heath through sustainability.
EPA is recognizing two companies for new products that recycle wasted energy and turn it into usable electricity in homes or small buildings. Micro combined heat and power (CHP) systems are an emerging technology that can reduce energy use and curb carbon dioxide emissions by 20 to 30 percent when offsetting purchases of coal-generated electricity in cold climates.
As winners of the 2011 Energy Star Emerging Technology Award, Freewatt micro CHP system made by ECR International, NY, and the Ecopower micro CHP system made by Marathon Engine, WI are helping home and small building owners, particularly in the Northeast region, produce their own electricity, reducing their utility bills. These technologies capture wasted energy from space or water heaters and turn it into usable electricity from a single fuel source.
Although the technology has been successfully used in larger applications for many years, micro CHP systems have only recently been commercialized for small scale use in residential homes, apartment buildings and small office buildings. This year’s winning micro CHP systems met strict criteria for efficiency, noise, emissions and third party-verified performance. In addition to submitting laboratory test results, products were monitored in the field for a minimum of one year to be eligible for recognition.
EPA is also recognizing four communities that are helping reduce air pollution and improve people’s health and overall quality of life through smart growth neighborhoods. These are communities designed with the principle of reducing commutes and environmental harm.
The four communities are receiving EPA’s Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging 2010 awards due to their commitment to active lifestyles. Residents of all abilities and ages are able to stay active with each community’s extensive walking and biking options. Communities that are creative in their growth design not only protect the environment by reducing air pollution and reducing water contaminants, but also foster economic vitality and enhance quality of life.
This year’s winners in the achievement category are the City of Charlotte, NC and the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, TX. The winners in the commitment category are the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, VA and the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging, PA.
