2012 Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner

The 20^th annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner was held Oct. 3, 2012, across from the National Mall at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. This historic year marks both the 20^th Dinner and the 35^th anniversary of the Alliance to Save Energy, and the evening’s event paid tribute to those who have made a profound impact on our country’s energy future – both in the past year, and across the Alliance’s 35 years.

“In the past 20 years, the Alliance has recognized and honored the most industrious energy efficiency advocates and innovators across all sectors of the economy and from all corners of the world,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “Our illustrious 2012 Stars of Energy Efficiency Award Winners have demonstrated the power of energy efficiency to improve corporate and consumer ‘bottom lines’ while making the world cleaner, more comfortable, and more secure.”

View a photo slideshow of the event to the right, and watch our special 35^th anniversary video below. The video features remarks by Sens. Mark Warner, Lisa Murkowski, and Jeff Bingaman; Ambassador Bruce Oreck; National Grid US President Tom King; and Alliance President Kateri Callahan, who provide an inside look into the projects and mission of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Honoring Sen. Charles P​ercy, Alliance Co-Founder

The evening began with a tribute to Sen. Charles Percy, a Republican from Illinois who co-founded the Alliance with Sen. Hubert Humphrey (D-Minn.) in 1977. Charles Percy’s son, Roger, took the stage – along with his wife, Penny, and their son, Cameron – to share how Charles “Chuck” Percy brought energy efficiency into his own home, as well as tirelessly served the movement. Charles Percy remained a stalwart champion of the Alliance and its mission until his death in September 2011.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who chairs the Alliance Board of Directors and the Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy, recognized Alliance founders Percy and Humphrey with a toast to bipartisanship: “There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican solution,” Warner told the crowd of hundreds clad in tuxedos and evening gowns. “Bipartisanship is alive and well in energy efficiency – it’s as vibrant today as it was 35 years ago. And that’s why I’m so proud to be a part of the Alliance to Save Energy.”

2012 Star of Energy Efficiency Award Winners

The Stars of Energy Efficiency awards highlight energy efficiency’s most transformative thinkers and doers, and the night to honor them was made possible by National Grid and 36 fellow sponsors (scroll down to see all of our sponsors). The 2012 award winners were:

• Honorable Bruce Oreck, U.S. Ambassador to Finland and Chair, League of Green Embassies
  Charles Percy Award for Public Service
• Kroger Co.
  “Galaxy” Star of Energy Efficiency
• Advantix Systems
  “Super Nova” Star of Energy Efficiency
• Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development 
  “Andromeda” Star of Energy Efficiency
• Eletrobras
  “I-Star” Award for Energy Efficiency
• DIRECTV
  “Innovative” Star of Energy Efficiency Award 

The 20^th year of the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner also marked the 20^th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program. The Alliance recognized the program's staying power with a milestone award, and commemorated the life of the program's founder, John S. Hoffman.

After the illustrious award ceremony, the celebration continued with a Presidential Debate viewing party.

Overheard at the 2012 Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner

Several Alliance Board members took time away from the evening’s celebrations to share their thoughts on energy efficiency, the Alliance, and the night’s award ceremony.

About the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner

The Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner has been the preeminent showcase for energy efficiency’s most industrious advocates and innovators since its inception in 1993.

• Audience: This prestigious, black-tie affair is held in Washington, D.C., and typically draws over 500 energy notables from industry, government and academia for an evening of fine dining and celebration.
• Awards: The Stars of Energy Efficiency awards are bestowed upon individuals, organizations, companies, learning institutions, and government programs that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to the cause of energy efficiency both in the United States and abroad.
• Leadership: The Stars of Energy Efficiency award winners are selected each year by the Dinner and Awards committee, which includes 25 diverse industry representatives. The committee reviews all nominations, selects finalists, and ultimately selects the winners in each award category.