Celebrating Inspiration and Achievement in Energy

NRG proudly celebrated the fourth annual Excellence in Energy Awards on November 16.

Through this initiative, we highlight, support, and commend our business customers who share our vision to make a positive impact in our communities and create a more sustainable future. With more than 50 submissions, the winners demonstrated innovation and bold forward-thinking in the fields of Community, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability.

In his opening statement, Robert Gaudette, Executive Vice President of NRG Business, shared the mission of the awards. “Every day, we see you initiating innovative energy solutions and working to make your operations more resilient. You are pushing forward with ambitious and inspiring sustainability goals - powering a brighter future and creating a better world for our communities. You inspire us with your efforts, and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements with you.”

Read on to find out how these winners are impacting the face and the heart of their energy futures.

Winners in the Community category demonstrated leadership by providing hands-on, philanthropic support to local and national advocacy groups while continuing to look for ways to keep their personnel actively engaged in local outreach.

Congratulations to our two winners in the Community category:

Integrity Stone, Inc., in Alberta, Canada, was recognized for offering service and materials to local community members in need, mentoring others in their industry, and actively supporting animal rescue initiatives across the province.

Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley received their award for their work with homeless and disadvantaged individuals in the Harlingen area for over 30 years. They provide meals, shelter, education, and training opportunities to help people transition back into society.

Winners in the Sustainability category focused on a greener future by taking active steps to reduce their carbon footprint, investing in clean and renewable energy sources, and upgrading facilities with more ecologically friendly infrastructure.

Congratulations to our three winners in the Sustainability category:

Gölu Hydrogen Technologies Inc., an SBI Bio Energy Inc. company has developed the Gölu-HT Carbon Negative Renewable Hydrogen On-site Generator, which removes carbon from the air, generates hydrogen power, and reduces the impact to and reliance on the existing power grid.

Jack Resnick & Sons, Inc. was honored for updating the HVAC and lighting systems in their existing building and earning a LEED Gold certification. They have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 40% since 2014 and installed a green roof and beehives in the heart of New York City.

Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, installed a solar panel array on a parking canopy at their borough offices. The array will generate 95% of the Township office’s electricity needs, and the structure of the canopy will shelter their police fleet from the elements, decreasing emergency response time in inclement weather.

Winners in the Energy Efficiency category took steps to reduce their energy expenditure, in terms of both cost and energy usage, by updating building structures and equipment, installing efficient appliances and technology, and participating in demand response programs.

Congratulations to our four winners in the Energy Efficiency category:

Bank of Montreal’s winning entry included the installation of Smart Retail Controllers at over 200 branch offices, providing remote visibility to HVAC systems and allowing real-time assessment and quick issue response. LED lighting has been installed at over 300 branches, putting the company well ahead of their goal of a 15% energy reduction by 2025.

Georgetown University received its award for upgrading to LED lighting across their campus, retrofitting buildings with smart-technology and HVAC systems, and documenting their ongoing processes to educate and promote efficiency within their community.

Round Rock Independent School District was awarded for investing in their students’ current and future needs. They upgraded their aquatic practice facility, including a pool and multiple supporting amenities, with a cogeneration system that powers the facility and uses the combustion to heat the pool water.

The University of Toledo is a long-time NRG demand response participant, using their saved costs from the program to further reduce their carbon footprint. They engage students in monthly energy audits, have used wise procurement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, and achieved almost 100% LED upgrades across their campus.

Congratulations again to this year’s remarkable winners and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. Your efforts help us power a brighter future together.

You inspire us through your innovations and vision and encourage everyone with your ambitious energy projects and goals. Your accomplishments benefit everyone – from our businesses to our communities.

Get inspired by other energy successes over the years.