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EPA NAMES ADVANCED ENERGY 2010 ENERGY STAR^® PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Advanced Energy earns award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency

Raleigh, N.C. [March 1, 2010] – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Advanced Energy as a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its work with Home Energy Raters. Advanced Energy’s accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. March 18, 2010.

Advanced Energy, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2001, is being honored for its Success with ENERGY STAR training program that helps Home Energy Raters qualify new homes to earn the ENERGY STAR. Home Energy Raters provide the evaluation, testing and independent verification required for ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

Advanced Energy delivers several programs in multiple markets aimed at increasing the number and quality of professionals participating in the ENERGY STAR program nationwide.  In 2009, Advanced Energy’s Success with ENERGY STAR training program helped more than 300 builders, subcontractors, raters and real estate agents transition into the ENERGY STAR program and successfully implement program standards.

As the technical support and training coordinator for the Northwest ENERGY STAR homes program, Advanced Energy employs a multi-tiered approach to help push the marketplace for high-performance homes.

The innovative training programs combine technical building science knowledge with decades of industry experience. Participants in the Success with ENERGY STAR program receive classroom and field training, as well as the tools needed to apply best practices in their businesses.

Advanced Energy was also named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2007 for its affordable housing program, SystemVision. Advanced Energy conducted two large-scale research studies for ENERGY STAR in Phoenix, Ariz. and Houston, Texas.

“In today’s economy, homebuyers are looking for value, and the energy-efficient homes that earn the ENERGY STAR provide that extra value,” said Kristi Matthews, Advanced Energy account manager. “Homes built to ENERGY STAR standards are more comfortable and provide a healthier indoor environment, plus they ensure long-term savings on energy bills while protecting the environment.”

The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient homes in their community. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling and water heating – homeowners can expect to save about $200-$400 annually on their utility bills. Currently more than 8,500 builders across the nation are constructing homes that meet EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. More than one million American families now live in ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

Last year alone Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR saved $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.

“More homebuyers are choosing ENERGY STAR qualified homes across America thanks to partners like Advanced Energy,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. “The knowledge and expertise of leading Home Energy Raters helps increase the nation’s energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

About Advanced Energy

Advanced Energy is a Raleigh, N.C.-based nonprofit committed to a future in which energy needs are met at reasonable costs and with the least negative consequences. The organization continues to work collaboratively to demonstrate that industry, government and nonprofits can successfully work together to improve the environment and encourage the economy. For 30 years, Advanced Energy has created economic, environmental and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy issues. For more information, visit www.advancedenergy.org.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 17,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).