EPA recognizes BOMA with 2009 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International a 2009 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. BOMA, first recognized with the Partner of the Year Award in 2007, is one of the only real estate associations to receive this honor for three consecutive years. The winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony on March 31. BOMA will be honored for its long-term commitment to helping building owners and managers reduce energy use by promoting energy management practices through the BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP). "We are very honored to receive this award. BOMA is committed to providing property professionals with innovative solutions that promote energy efficiency and benefit the bottom line. It is clear that these initiatives are having a positive impact," said BOMA International chair and chief elected officer Richard Purtell, portfolio manager, Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc. "Our years of partnership with Energy Star demonstrate our dedication to promoting energy efficiency in the commercial real estate industry, and we will continue to develop pioneering programs and strategies for the industry that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make good business sense." The 2009 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These 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. These 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 12,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star , saved $19 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles. "EPA is delighted to recognize BOMA International with the 2009 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award," said Kathleen Hogan, director of the climate protection partnerships division at the U.S. EPA. "BOMA's leadership on energy efficiency has yielded impressive results for their bottom line and our global environment, showing us all what can be accomplished through sustained commitment and action."