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 Listen to local business leaders and you'll hear that energy efficiency does matter to our regional economic strength and in building strong vibrant communities, especially in these uncertain economic times.
Supported by federal and regional funding programs such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, state grants and by ratepayers themselves, energy efficiency measures bring jobs to our region and deliver real money to our communities. Every dollar invested in efficiency returns $2.60 to New Englanders.
For six years, NEEP has been recognizing Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency from across the Northeast. NEEP's business leaders have been able to implement energy-saving measures that reduce costs, increase productivity, decrease emissions of carbon and other pollutants and contribute to a more stable regional economy. The benefits for businesses are clear: business leaders show how a strong commitment to implementing energy efficiency solutions maximizes energy savings, promotes business and customer growth, enhances the competitive edge, streamlines processes, takes advantage of technological innovation and minimizes environmental impact.
This year's leaders come from a diverse spectrum of fields and represent a cumulative single-year energy cost savings of more than $3.3 million resulting directly from energy efficiency measures. These measures, which will continue to accrue savings for many years to come, also show us all that efficiency measures can be implemented across many industries, with positive effects on the environment, the community and the bottom line. The power of efficiency lies in the amplifying effect it often has. Once a business sees the real effects efficiency measures can have on its bottom line, it's hard not to consider further measures to increase savings.
A major theme amongst all the business leaders we recognize is that they consider energy efficiency at the forefront of their work. This consideration builds close ties with their local utilities or other efficiency providers and the incentives available through state, regional and federal energy efficiency programs that can help fund energy efficiency projects.
Business leaders are key ingredients to making energy efficiency matter for our communities, our states, our environment and our economy. Policy makers can see the real savings behind efficiency investments, consumers see commitment to climate change mitigation, and our businesses succeed in building strong, sustainable, competitive industry here in the Bay State. Make energy efficiency matter in your business and make a difference in your community.
Sue Coakley
Executive Director
Excerpt from original guest editorial in the Worcestor Business Journal, July 4, 2011.
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