WSU News Center - Governor honors industrial energy leaders for improved efficiency
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Sustainability, cost cutting
Governor honors industrial energy leaders for improved efficiency
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Gov. Chris Gregoire today (Dec. 5) honored five industrial companies in
Washington for their outstanding leadership in improved energy performance at the first
Washington Industrial Energy Leaders awards ceremony at the State Capitol.
"Every bit of energy saved by our industries adds to their bottom line and at the same time
protects our environment and preserves our natural heritage,” said Gregoire. "I’m very proud
of the innovation of these Washington companies, a commitment that leads to a stronger economy and a
cleaner environment. I thank them for leading the way.”
A Governor’s Award for Leadership by Example went to Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc. – with Seattle City Light as the
serving utility. Awards for Leadership in Energy Performance went to Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Inc.
in Longview, Wash. – a Cowlitz PUD (public utility district) customer - and to Stemilt Growers, LLC in
Wenatchee, Wash. – with Chelan PUD as the serving utility.
An award for Leadership in Innovation went to the North Pacific Paper Corporation in Longview – also a
Cowlitz PUD customer. An honorable mention for Leadership in Energy Innovation and Performance was
awarded to Rainier Fruit Company from Prosser, Wash., in the Benton PUD service territory.
Outstanding innovation
"Industry leaders are facing increased pressure to reduce operating costs and to do business in a more
sustainable fashion,” said Jake Fey, director of the Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program. "The
most innovative are realizing that enhanced energy efficiency allows them to meet and accomplish both of
these goals.”
The Washington Industrial Energy Leaders program was designed to recognize companies that are making
exceptional progress toward improved energy efficiency. The program is sponsored by the WSU Energy
Program, Washington State Department of Commerce, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and U.S.
Department of Energy. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is the program’s founding sponsor. A total of 25 award applications were submitted, according to Christine Love, WSU Energy Program industrial
services manager. "The selection committee members agreed that each application highlighted outstanding accomplishments for
the nominating businesses,” she said. "The Governor’s Award winners represent the companies that ranked
highest among this impressive group.”
Additional awards
In addition to the Governor’s Awards, three Utility Sponsor’s Awards were presented. Shields Bag & Printing
Co. from Yakima, Wash. – served by Cascade Natural Gas – and the Spokane County Regional Water
Reclamation Facility – served by Avista – were recognized for Leadership in Innovation. Trident Seafoods
Anacortes Plant – served by Puget Sound Energy – was recognized for Leadership by Example.
"We are proud to have so many companies in public power territory recognized for their energy efficiency
efforts,” said Karen Meadows, acting vice president of BPA. "These companies are a great example of the
innovative industrial efficiency efforts that are essential to our regional energy efficiency programs.”
The Washington Industrial Energy Leaders awards ceremony included Gregoire, executives from industry and
their serving utilities, state leaders and representatives from energy efficiency organizations.
Award winners will be featured in a special session at the Fifth Annual Northwest Industrial Energy Efficiency
Summit, Jan. 16, 2013, in Portland, Ore.
-------------------------------Contacts:
Sheila Riggs, WSU Energy Program, 360-956-2074
Joel Scruggs, BPA Public Affairs, 503-230-5511
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