CONYERS, Ga. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named Lithonia Lighting as a 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing and helping to educate consumers about those products. Lithonia Lighting's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.
Lithonia Lighting, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1994, will be honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. In 2007, Lithonia introduced 84 new Energy Star qualified products including three complete fixture families. In addition to product innovation, Lithonia placed increasing emphasis on its marketing initiatives to bring further awareness to energy efficiency by creating a green living magazine to discuss all elements of green living. In November of 2007, Lithonia Lighting's parent company, Acuity Brands Lighting, signed the Clinton Climate Initiative solidifying the company's emphasis on sustainability and innovation in energy-efficient technology.
Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.
"Our customers are more concerned than ever about protecting the environment and they recognize the value that ENERGY STAR products offer," said Ed Weaver, Vice President of Lithonia's Consumer Products Group. "Through our partnership with ENERGY STAR we are able to manufacture and promote products that not only save our customers money, but also help protect our planet from the risks of global warming."
The 2008 Partner of the Year Awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
"By producing and promoting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR, Lithonia Lighting is educating consumers about the importance of energy efficiency," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation.
"Lithonia Lighting's efforts in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR make them a leader in demonstrating that consumers can have quality products that also protect the environment."