Empowered and Inspired

NRG was proud to host the fifth annual Excellence in Energy Awards on November 14.

This year, as we reflect on the remarkable journey from our first ceremony to our fifth celebration, our original focus remains a constant - honoring our business customers who share our vision for a sustainable future and make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. They are the architects of change, leveraging technology, embracing new ideas, and making strategic investments that pave the way for a safe, smart, and sustainable tomorrow.

With many impressive submissions to choose from, our winners this year stand out for their practical, empathetic, and forward-looking approaches in Community Outreach, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability. They are leading by example and inspiring others to make meaningful change.

Meet the winners and see how they are transforming buildings, communities, and futures.

Winners in the Community category exemplified leadership through direct philanthropic engagement with both local and national advocacy groups, continuously seeking ways to involve their teams in meaningful ongoing outreach.

Congratulations to our Community winners:

Pasadena Independent School District, along with their Education Foundation and community partners, provides thousands of dollars in grants annually to teachers and campuses in the district through their prize parade event. The parade is highly anticipated every year, and the grants help fund educational services and projects that might not fit into the regular academic budget.

The St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN) supports individuals with disabilities or challenging conditions to participate more fully in their communities. Across 39 housing sites, the network offers peer support, care, community access, training and employment opportunities, and personal connections to enhance quality of life. By tailoring their energy packages across the community, they have been able to focus more funds on the people they serve.

Winners in the Sustainability category championed a cleaner energy future by actively minimizing the organization’s carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy, and modernizing facilities with cutting-edge eco-friendly infrastructure.

Congratulations to our Sustainability winners:

Broadstreet Properties Ltd, a Canadian property management company, installed more than 300 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across their 35 locations. This makes sustainable transportation options accessible to their tenants and communities, and significantly offsets greenhouse gas emissions.

The Catholic University of America is leading the charge for sustainability in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with their ongoing solar initiatives. The school’s ground and roof-mounted panels, and their new solar array, provide power to the school and surrounding community, and also deliver educational opportunities to local students.

Winners in the Energy Efficiency category have reduced both costs and consumption by upgrading buildings and equipment, adopting efficient appliances and technology, and engaging in demand response initiatives.

Congratulations to our Energy Efficiency winners:

American Bath Group wanted to strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of their overall energy strategy. Working closely with consultants across their four locations, they carried out in-depth audits that helped them determine the best energy package for their facilities, as well as identify best practices for energy savings.

Mahantango Enterprises knew that their production was increasing, but they wanted to save money and reduce their impact on the local grid. Through use of strategic purchasing, load management programs, and demand reduction, they have significantly lowered their capacity and transmission tags, saved on costs, and earned funds back through demand response.

The Towers Condominiums have been a residential Washington D.C. mainstay since the 1960s but with more than 600 units in service, costs were rising and infrastructure was in need of modernization. The condo association, in a multi-year plan, has been replacing and upgrading essential building support systems, such as roofing, lighting, and cooling, earning them top honors from Energy Star.

Your innovations and projects bring to life ambitious goals, benefiting both businesses and communities. NRG Business Executive Vice President Robert Gaudette has been delighted over the past five years to recognize our business customers who are leading the way and transforming our communities, stating, “Together we can create a more sustainable and resilient world. Thank you for inspiring us.”

Feel inspired? See how other businesses are implementing their energy goals.