Energy efficiency is smart business!
Many Palo Alto companies have discovered how improving efficiency not only helps the environment but also delivers cost savings.
To honor and promote Palo Alto companies who have made major strides
in improving their energy efficiency, Mayor Yeh has announced a City of Palo Alto annual “Green Leader” Business Recognition Awards program. The criteria for receiving this award is based on the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® benchmarking process. The City will recognize all businesses with an ENERGY STAR®-certified benchmarking score of 75 or higher within the past two years.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any Palo Alto business that has completed the “Portfolio Manager” EPA ENERGY STAR® benchmarking process on its building(s) within the past two years and received point scores greater than 75. Each year, businesses will be able to reapply for the award, but will need to show that the Portfolio Manager certification was achieved within the previous two years.
(Never heard of Portfolio Manager? Find out more below!)
HOW CAN MY BUSINESS APPLY FOR THE AWARD?
If you are interested in applying for the award, your first step would be to contact Utilities Key Account Representative Bruce Lesch by calling (650) 329-2244 or sending an email. Bruce will provide details on the process.
WHEN WILL THE 2012 AWARDS BE GIVEN?
The submission deadline for this year's awards is August 1, 2012. The award-winners will be announced at a September 2012 City Council meeting.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RECEIVING AN AWARD?
All award recipients will be publicly honored at the City Council meeting as well as being named in a press release about the recognition awards. Recipients will also be given a framed Certificate of Achievement to display.
Businesses with buildings that exceed 90 points, in addition to the items mentioned above, also will be presented with a “Green Leader” award plaque by the Mayor and be highlighted in paid local newspaper advertisements as “Green Leaders.” Additionally, these businesses will be featured on the Utilities department's website.
IF I DON’T QUALIFY THIS YEAR, WHAT CAN I DO TO BE ELIGIBLE IN 2013?
To assist businesses who would like to cash in on the benefits of efficiency improvements but aren’t sure how, the City Utilities Department offers a number of programs and services, including:
