'Stars of Energy Efficiency' Gala Awards EE Luminaries

At its 18th annual awards gala on Sept. 14, the Alliance recognized individuals and organizations that contributed to the cause of saving energy in 2010. The "Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner" hosted more than 500 corporate, academic and government leaders at the National Portrait Gallery's enclosed, tree-lined courtyard.

A multitude of members of Congress and administration officials, including Alliance Honorary Board Chair Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Honorary Vice-Chair Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), attended the black tie event.  Distinguished award winners, speakers, sponsors and guests also included representatives from the Alliance's 170 Associate member organizations, as well as  — for the first time  — a professional race car driver.

"We dubbed this the 'Decade of Energy Efficiency,'" declared Alliance President Kateri Callahan, noting that such an achievement wouldn't be possible without the support and hard work of those in attendance.

Efficiency 'Stars' Shine Brightly

One of the evening's most prestigious honors went to S. Richard "Rick" Fedrizzi, founding chairman, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. Fedrizzi accepted the Charles H. Percy Award for his outstanding contribution to the global sustainability movement, including the creation of the LEED Green Building Rating System.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) bestowed this year's Chairman's Award to another energy efficiency pioneer, Cathy Zoi, assistant secretary for the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). A longtime champion of energy efficiency, Assistant Secretary Zoi currently oversees EERE's $16.8 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Leilani Munter, a race car driver and environmental activist, presented the Galaxy Award to U-Haul International for its innovative corporate sustainability programs.

The awards gala recognized many others who have used energy efficiency to impact the world and are continuing to shape the future:

• Danfoss was awarded the Innovative Star Award for promoting revolutionary, energy-saving products.
• OPOWER was honored with the Andromeda Star Award for developing a behavior-based, large-scale energy efficiency program.
• Environment Canada and Efficiency New Brunswick were jointly awarded the International Star Award for pioneering creative energy use solutions throughout Canada.
• The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden won the Super Nova Star Award for its commitment to educating visitors about energy-efficient technologies and best practices.