Mayor Yeh Announces ‘Green Leader’ Business Recognition Awards

Palo Alto Mayor Yiaway Yeh announced Tuesday an awards program for Palo Alto-based businesses that have made strides in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings.

The City of Palo Alto “Green Leader” Business Recognition Awards program is accepting applications now through August 1, 2012, and the awards will be announced during a September City Council meeting.

The award will be based on criteria from the EPA’s Energy Star benchmark, and the city will recognize all businesses with Energy Star ratings of 75 or higher within the past two years. Special recognition will be given to businesses with score above 90.

 “We have many local businesses who are already leading the way with energy efficient buildings and, as a community, we want to recognize their significant efforts,” said Mayor Yeh in an announcement. “We are also hoping this awards program will help send a message to all companies in Palo Alto that saving money through improved energy efficiency is simply smart business.”

Winning businesses will be honored publicly at the September council meeting and be given a certificate of achievement. Businesses scoring over 90 points will receive a special plaque from the mayor and be featured in paid media ads and on the City website.

The City Utility offers numerous programs and services to companies wishing to boost their energy efficiency. They will offer training on June 14, 2012 for businesses wishing to become familiar with the Department of Energy’s Portfolio Manager. Registration information is available here.

 “Palo Alto is a town that highly values sustainability and so we are committed to assisting local businesses to upgrade their buildings and reap the rewards of greater energy efficiency.  If a business earns a Green Leader recognition award that is icing on the cake,” said City Manager James Keene.