Washington, DC, April 2, 2018 – The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is proud to announce that it has received the 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award. The DCSEU was chosen for demonstrating exemplary commitment to increase awareness for ENERGY STAR certified products through a well-rounded approach to energy efficiency program delivery, and for its dedicated work serving hard-to-reach populations. The DCSEU’s accomplishments will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2018.
“The DCSEU is very proud to be recognized by the EPA. Promoting energy efficiency, and with it raising awareness for ENERGY STAR among all residents of the District, lies at the core of our mission,” said Ted Trabue, Managing Director of the DCSEU.
The DCSEU is tasked by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to reduce the District of Columbia’s energy use and bring renewable energy to the city. Its unique approach consists of combining energy efficiency and renewable energy targets with social justice objectives.
“Washington, D.C., has become a leader of city sustainability. The DCSEU and its success in promoting energy efficiency with residents, businesses, and institutions in the District has been an integral part of our success,” said Tommy Wells, Director of DOEE.
The incorporation of ENERGY STAR in all of the DCSEU’s programs reflects its core mission. For example, the residential program buys down the cost of ENERGY STAR certified efficient products such as LED light bulbs. Other initiatives, such as projects targeting income-qualified residents, incentivize the use of ENERGY STAR certified products by providing rebates directly to participating contractors. And the DCSEU’s Workforce Development Program, which helps District residents attain skills to become competitive in the green jobs market, includes lectures about the importance of EPA’s program, encouraging tomorrow’s workforce to catalyze the impact of ENERGY STAR.
Since its inception in 2011, the DCSEU’s work has resulted in more than $600 million in lifetime energy cost savings for District residents, businesses, and institutions, and has prevented the lifetime emission of 3.5 million metric tons of carbon – the equivalent of taking more than 780,000 cars off the road for one year.
“The 2018 ENERGY STAR Partners of the Year have demonstrated real leadership, showing how American families and businesses can save energy, save money, and reduce air emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
In 2016 alone, ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, buildings, and plants helped Americans save over $30 billion in energy costs and approximately 400 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and while achieving broad emissions reductions.
For a complete list of 2018 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit www.energystar.gov/awardwinners.
About the DCSEU
The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps District residents, businesses, and institutions save energy and money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Led by the Sustainable Energy Partnership and under contract to the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), the DCSEU is committed to environmental preservation, community engagement, and economic development.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For over 25 years, EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has been America’s resource for saving energy and protecting the environment. Join the millions already making a difference at energystar.gov. More background information about ENERGY STAR can be found at energystar.gov/about and energystar.gov/numbers.
Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500®—rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Together, since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped save American families and businesses over $450 billion and over 3.5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity while also achieving broad emissions reductions—all through voluntary action.