Connecticut’s Brave, Green World

The Great Recession has placed a new level of importance on the efficient use of resources. Everywhere, companies are trying to make do with less. And nowhere is that more apparent than in the area of energy.

A recent national study ranked Connecticut #1 in the creation of jobs fueled by energy efficiency. Welcome to the brave new world of green collar jobs. Connecticut is recognized as a national leader in creating partnerships among state regulatory agencies, utilities, commercial and residential property owners and private investors.

Some of those partnerships are reflected in the winners of this year’s Business Energy Awards. Our judges reviewed nominations from a host of sources and chose to honor a public agency that’s betting on cutting edge technology,  a retirement facility that undertook a top-to-bottom energy makeover, a company that’s creating new ways to educate consumers and an innovative company that’s created an whole new approach to preventing marine fouling.

Collectively, they are a tribute to the Yankee spirit of innovation and cooperation that for so long has been a part of Connecticut life.

While we are honoring four worthy ventures with these awards, we know there are many others who are worthy of the highest praise. And there are new projects on the drawing boards that will compete for awards in the future.

We appreciate the efforts of all those who took part in the awards process. And we thank our sponsors, the presenters at the Sept. 17 energy event, our judges and all those who took the time out of their busy days to come and learn more about energy.

Energy in all its aspects – from generation and transmission, through sales and pricing, to conservation and efficiency programs – is not a passing phenomenon. It is the transformation of an old industry into something new and exciting that touches us all, from homeowners to business owners, from HVAC technicians to building managers.

It’s indeed a brave new world and we’re delighted we can play a role in celebrating the accomplishments of Connecticut’s new pioneers.

Enjoy this special section and make plans now to have your company involved in next year’s event.

The 2010 Business Energy Award Winners:

Category: Innovation (organization)
PEL Associates Creates Unique Solutions to Fouling on Ships

Category: Advocacy (organization)
BLR Looks Within to Build Educational Product

Category: Alternative Energy
CT Transit In Class of Its Own With Alternative Energy Fleet

Category: Conservation (organization)
Duncaster Retirement Community Finds A Lifesaver in Conservation

Click HERE for more information about the judges.

Featured Article: Riding The Wave: How To “Green” Your Business

The 2010 Business Energy Summit, Sept. 17, 2010 at the Marriott Rocky Hill:

Links to related PowerPoint or PDF presentations from the 2010 Business Energy Summit will be posted soon.