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Gillette business wins national award for exemplary energy savings

Release Date: 3/22/2004
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Denver -- One of Gillette, Wyoming's own is among an elite group of small businesses across the country being honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for outstanding achievements in energy efficiency. Advocacy for Visual Arts, Inc. (AVA) has won the 2003 Energy Star® for Small Business Award for its success in reducing energy use and educating staff.

AVA has taken a number of steps to improve the energy efficiency of its building. The company worked with local volunteers and craftsmen to upgrade the building’s lighting system with efficient T-5 and T-8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. In addition, new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, including variable speed drives and programmable thermostats, provide efficient temperature control. AVA also improved their building’s shell by installing an insulated roof, double-paned low-emissivity windows and wall insulation. The company has reduced air infiltration by tightening doors and entryways with caulk and weather-stripping.

AVA's efforts to help protect the environment are saving over 15,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and preventing more than 19,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, when compared to the national average of similar unimproved buildings. In an effort to maximize these benefits for years to come, AVA provides each new employee a tour of the building to teach them how to use and maintain its energy-efficient features.

All Energy Star for Small Business Award applicants were judged on comprehensiveness of upgrades, cost savings per square foot, creativity and innovation. “This year’s national winners met some rigorous criteria,” said Robbie Roberts, EPA’s Regional Administrator in Denver. “We salute AVA’s outstanding work to save energy and prevent pollution. Their efforts offer an example of financial and environmental stewardship that other small businesses can emulate."

Energy Star for Small Business Award applications are accepted throughout the year. The application is available online at www.energystar.gov/smallbiz. Deadline for submitting applications is Earth Day, April 22.

More than 8,000 companies participate in Energy Star for Small Business and more than 1,000 organizations participate in Energy Star for Congregations. Both are voluntary programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that help building owners and operators cut energy waste and prevent pollution through energy efficiency. For information call 1-888-STAR YES or visit www.energystar.gov/smallbiz.

Media kits and individual success stories are available online at www.epa.gov/smallbiz or call (202) 343-9138.