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National Benefit Service Center Inc. in Orlando, Fla. Honored by EPA for Energy Savings

Release Date: 09/17/2008
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

(Atlanta, Ga. - Sept. 17, 2008) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected the National Benefit Service Center Inc. dba City Java in Orlando, Fla. as one of 13 winners of the 2008 Energy Star Small Business and Congregation Awards. This year’s winners are recognized for doing their part to save energy and fight climate change through effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions.

Family-owned National Benefit Service Center’s energy saving efforts included: lighting upgrades; improved insulation and sealing; and installation of Energy Star qualified appliances and equipment. Sustainability concerns extended to water usage with the selection of a waterless urinal to save an estimated 15,000 gallons of water a year. New sinks and toilets with low flow fixtures also were added.

National Benefit Service Center estimates a savings of $18,000 annually in energy costs for the operation of its three restaurants: City Java, O’Naturals, and Haagen Daz. The saving of more than 185,000 kWh per year represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) of more than 148 tons, the equivalent of CO2 emissions from the electricity use of nearly 18 homes.

About Energy Star
Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

To learn more about the 2008 Energy Star Small Business Award winners and to view the interactive map, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/SmallBizAwards

To learn more about the 2008 Energy Star Congregation Award winners and to view the interactive map, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/CongregationAwards