Joint Management Committee earns EPA's Energy Start award for protecting the environment through energy efficiency

The Joint Management Committee, a group of Massachusetts utility companies and energy efficiency service providers, has received the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most prestigious Energy Star award for its longtime environmentally-conscious leadership and energy efficiency initiatives. The EPA presented the 2010 Sustained Excellence Award to the Joint Management Committee (JMC) in a Washington, D.C. ceremony on March 18. The 2010 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. The JMC administers the Massachusetts New Homes with Energy Star program. Its long-term commitment to energy efficient new construction is a collaborative effort funded by various providers such as the Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO), Bay State Gas, Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, National Grid Gas and Electric, New England Gas, NSTAR Electric and NSTAR Gas. Homes built through the program are at least 15% more efficient than homes simply built to Massachusetts Residential Building Code. "The Joint Management Committee is continuing our commitment to increasing energy efficiency through the Massachusetts New Homes with Energy Star program," said Margaret Song, residential program manager, Cape Light Compact. "We view our Energy Star partnership as an important way to join in the fight to address climate change." Sustained Excellence Award winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. The Sustained Excellence awards recognize ongoing leadership across the Energy Star program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program. "The Joint Management Committee's continued leadership and commitment to energy efficiency is a testament to what we can accomplish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our global environment," said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. Energy Star qualified homes are designed built and performance tested to offer enhanced comfort and energy savings. Across the U.S., top companies and organizations are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future through participation in Energy Star. ICF International administers the program on behalf of the participating utilities. Last year, Energy Star helped Americans save $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.