Louisville Energy Alliance Recognizes La Quinta del Sol Hotel, Other Leaders in Energy Efficiency
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Louisville, KY (June 28, 2022) – The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) presented awards to nine local organizations as part of its annual Kilowatt Crackdown Challenge. First launched in 2007 by former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, this is a city-wide competition that challenges building owners and operators to decrease energy use in their buildings to fight climate change while cutting operating costs.
The year’s top honor, the Kilowatt Cup, was awarded to La Quinta del Sol of Louisville East for superior achievement in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This new hotel construction minimized the amount of needed energy by utilizing tankless water heaters coupled with low flow/high velocity water fixtures, LED lighting, ENERGY STAR certified appliances, and motion sensors to shut systems off when unoccupied. In addition, the building generates a significant portion of its electricity from rooftop solar panels and micro-windmills. Free, onsite electric vehicle charging units were installed for guests. These sustainability efforts were made possible by Louisville Metro Government’s EPAD Program, which allowed the hotel to pay for the optimization measures using low-interest financing that is paid for using the savings. Sunny Dronawat, Managing Member of Sashi LLC, the developer of the hotel, said, “Consumers feel good when they spend their money on goods and services that incorporate sustainability, green energy, and energy conservation elements into their business practices.” Additional buildings received awards by facility type. The Kilowatt Crackdown winners are as follows:
“In order to meet our clean energy goals, we need everyone’s help, and I applaud these organization’s efforts to do their part,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Louisville Metro Government is proud to lead by example through our energy efficiency efforts across Metro’s buildings while providing programs such as EPAD to help local businesses make these critical investments as well. I thank the Louisville Energy Alliance for recognizing the Metro Development Center and the Northeast Regional Library for their efforts to cut Louisville Metro’s energy costs.” “The combined efforts of the award winners have realized a savings of 2,972 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s equivalent to over 330,000 gallons of gasoline consumed in a year,” said Julie Donna, LEA Vice Chair. “We applaud these building owners who have exhibited a commitment to the health of our community.” In April, hundreds of scientists at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their Climate Change 2022 Report, which states that “rapid and deep” cuts to carbon emissions are required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. “Climate change is a global crisis which has already caused Louisvillians to experience record rainfall and extreme heat. Without rapidly scaling climate solutions, we will experience vulnerabilities to infrastructure, rising insurance and energy costs, more respiratory and heart disease cases, and an overburdening of healthcare and emergency response systems.” said Donna. “Since approximately 81% of Louisville’s GHG emissions are from the energy used to heat, cool, and power buildings, the Kilowatt Crackdown winners have demonstrated that building owners and managers have a critical role in fighting climate change.” The LEA is offering free assistance to building owners who want to begin tracking and reducing their energy use. The next 3-part training series focused on using free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software kicks off August 4. Registration is at https://tinyurl.com/PMtraining2022. |
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Louisville Ranks 3rd in mid-size city ENERGY STAR building list
Louisville ranks in the top 25 overall for all Metro
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 16, 2018)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Louisville is ranked 3rd on the list of top U.S. mid-size cities with the most ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Louisville ranked 7th last year and this year, ranks behind only San Jose and Virginia Beach. On the list of all U.S. metropolitan areas, Louisville ranks in the top 25.
“When property owners make the choice to invest in energy efficiency, they are not only making an environmentally conscious choice but also a smart financial choice,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I encourage all building owners to use energy efficient systems because they will see a reduction in operating costs and help make Louisville a healthier city.”
Louisville earned its ranking with 86 ENERGY STAR buildings, which includes office buildings, schools, banks, and retail and grocery stores. Energy efficiency saved Louisville ENERGY STAR building owners $6.6 million in 2017.
Since 2013, the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability has offered free verification services from a licensed architect or engineer to validate ENERGY STAR Certification submission data for eligible buildings.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG), led by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Management & Budget, has implemented energy efficiency measures, which in 2017 saved the city $2.7 million and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 5,300 vehicles off the road.
ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings. Also, ENERGY STAR certified buildings cost $0.50 less per square foot to operate than average buildings.
LMG partners with the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) to promote energy efficiency and conservation efforts. The LEA hosts the annual Kilowatt Crackdown Awards, a city-wide competition that challenges building owners and operators to decrease energy use in their buildings. The Kilowatt Crackdown winners listed below were recognized last week for leadership and excellence in energy conservation.
To become ENERGY STAR certified, visit https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager.
For more information on energy efficiency opportunities in Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/energy-efficiency.
For the complete city rankings, visit www.energystar.gov/TopCities
“When property owners make the choice to invest in energy efficiency, they are not only making an environmentally conscious choice but also a smart financial choice,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I encourage all building owners to use energy efficient systems because they will see a reduction in operating costs and help make Louisville a healthier city.”
Louisville earned its ranking with 86 ENERGY STAR buildings, which includes office buildings, schools, banks, and retail and grocery stores. Energy efficiency saved Louisville ENERGY STAR building owners $6.6 million in 2017.
Since 2013, the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability has offered free verification services from a licensed architect or engineer to validate ENERGY STAR Certification submission data for eligible buildings.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG), led by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Management & Budget, has implemented energy efficiency measures, which in 2017 saved the city $2.7 million and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 5,300 vehicles off the road.
ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35 percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings. Also, ENERGY STAR certified buildings cost $0.50 less per square foot to operate than average buildings.
LMG partners with the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) to promote energy efficiency and conservation efforts. The LEA hosts the annual Kilowatt Crackdown Awards, a city-wide competition that challenges building owners and operators to decrease energy use in their buildings. The Kilowatt Crackdown winners listed below were recognized last week for leadership and excellence in energy conservation.
- Norton Audubon Hospital - 2017 Kilowatt Cup Winner
- Oxmoor Center - Innovation Award
- Tully Elementary - Best K-12 School Facility
- Jefferson Community & Technical College Shelby Campus - Best College/University Facility
- First Unitarian Church - Best Church/Worship Facility
- Southeast Christian Church - Best Large Church/Worship Facility
- Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital - Best Healthcare Facility
- Sealed Air - Best Manufacturing Facility
- The Presbyterian Center - Best Office Facility
To become ENERGY STAR certified, visit https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager.
For more information on energy efficiency opportunities in Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/energy-efficiency.
For the complete city rankings, visit www.energystar.gov/TopCities
LEA Formally Expresses Support for Maintaining Kentucky's Commercial Energy Codes
Louisville, KY (November 13, 2017) – The Louisville Energy Alliance Board of Directors sent a letter to Commissioner Steve Milby expressing support for maintaining Kentucky's commercial energy codes at the current level of the 2012 IECC. The Kentucky State Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction is considering rolling back current energy codes, a move that would increase utility bills for commercial building owners and operators. Read the LEA's letter here. Send your own letter to:
Commission Steve Milby
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
101 Sea Hero Rd., Ste. 100
Frankfort, KY 40601
Commission Steve Milby
Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
101 Sea Hero Rd., Ste. 100
Frankfort, KY 40601
Mayor Fischer Announces Kilowatt Crackdown Award Winners
Louisville, KY (April 21, 2016) – Mayor Fischer announced today the winners of the Kilowatt Crackdown, a city-wide competition that challenges building owners and operators to decrease energy use in their buildings.
“Reducing energy use in nonprofit, commercial and industrial buildings is a terrific financial and environmental decision,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “By choosing to invest in energy saving methods, building owners are investing in the health of our community and because energy efficiency decreases energy bills, they are also investing in their buildings.”
Baptist Health was awarded the Kilowatt Cup to recognize their superior achievement in energy efficiency. The Baptist Health headquarters office building began targeting operational efficiency in mid-2015. In that time, Baptist Health leadership has implemented a comprehensive program to monitor its energy usage index and cost per square foot. Over 5,000 data points are collected every 15 minutes and analyzed using advanced algorithms to identify areas of poor performance and/or risk. This continuous commissioning and improvement program has helped reduce the facility's energy consumption in half for the second part of 2015 while improving environmental conditions considerably. Through these efforts, in seven months, Baptist Health saved close to $40,000.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) was awarded the first ever Louisville Energy Alliance Partner of the Year Award. JCPS tracks the energy usage of 169 buildings in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager. Currently, 34 JCPS buildings are ENERGY STAR Certified. In the last 10 years, JCPS has saved over $9 million through energy usage reduction, renovations, rebates, the demand conservation program and billing corrections.
”We are thrilled to recognize the companies and nonprofits in our community that are helping to reach the city’s goal to reduce energy consumption 25% by 2025,” said Director of Sustainability Maria Koetter. “The building owners that received awards have especially shown a strong commitment to the health of our community.”
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) launched the Kilowatt Crackdown in 2009. In 2010, Louisville Metro Government earned ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for launching the Kilowatt Crackdown in partnership with the LEA. The LEA is a public/private partnership between the Building Owners and Managers Association, Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence, International Facility Management Association, and Louisville Metro Government.
Over 160 buildings entered this year’s Kilowatt Crackdown Competition. The full list of award winners is below:
“Reducing energy use in nonprofit, commercial and industrial buildings is a terrific financial and environmental decision,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “By choosing to invest in energy saving methods, building owners are investing in the health of our community and because energy efficiency decreases energy bills, they are also investing in their buildings.”
Baptist Health was awarded the Kilowatt Cup to recognize their superior achievement in energy efficiency. The Baptist Health headquarters office building began targeting operational efficiency in mid-2015. In that time, Baptist Health leadership has implemented a comprehensive program to monitor its energy usage index and cost per square foot. Over 5,000 data points are collected every 15 minutes and analyzed using advanced algorithms to identify areas of poor performance and/or risk. This continuous commissioning and improvement program has helped reduce the facility's energy consumption in half for the second part of 2015 while improving environmental conditions considerably. Through these efforts, in seven months, Baptist Health saved close to $40,000.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) was awarded the first ever Louisville Energy Alliance Partner of the Year Award. JCPS tracks the energy usage of 169 buildings in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager. Currently, 34 JCPS buildings are ENERGY STAR Certified. In the last 10 years, JCPS has saved over $9 million through energy usage reduction, renovations, rebates, the demand conservation program and billing corrections.
”We are thrilled to recognize the companies and nonprofits in our community that are helping to reach the city’s goal to reduce energy consumption 25% by 2025,” said Director of Sustainability Maria Koetter. “The building owners that received awards have especially shown a strong commitment to the health of our community.”
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) launched the Kilowatt Crackdown in 2009. In 2010, Louisville Metro Government earned ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for launching the Kilowatt Crackdown in partnership with the LEA. The LEA is a public/private partnership between the Building Owners and Managers Association, Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence, International Facility Management Association, and Louisville Metro Government.
Over 160 buildings entered this year’s Kilowatt Crackdown Competition. The full list of award winners is below:
- Hospital: Most Improved – Norton Women’s and Kosair Children’s Hospital
- K-12 School: Best Performer - Cane Run Elementary/Most Improved - Greathouse /Shryock Traditional Elementary School
- Lodging/Residential: Best Performer - Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel
- Manufacturing Plant: Best Performer – Copper & Kings/Most Improved - American Printing House for the Blind
- Office: Best Performer - Mercer Transportation Building #3/Most Improved - Mercer Transportation Building #5
- Warehouse: Most Improved - Mercer Transportation Non-Refrigerated Warehouse
- Worship Facility: Best Performer – Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church/Most Improved – First Unitarian Church
LEA to host Sustainability Fellow - Application is Open
Louisville, KY (February 9, 2016) – The LEA, the Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability, and the University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute seek a recent graduate, a graduate student, or well-qualified undergraduate student to work with the commercial sector to support continued progress toward the city’s goal to reduce per capita energy consumption 25% by 2025. The successful candidate will work one-on-one with facility managers, business owners, nonprofit organizations and worship facilities to facilitate energy tracking and reduction through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR software, Portfolio Manager. The Fellow will gain valuable experience balancing competing priorities and navigating constraints, as well as learning about financing models for energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Fellow will work out of Louisville Metro Government's Office of Sustainability in Louisville, KY. Applications for the summer fellowship program are due February 23, 2016. Click here to read a full position description. Information about the fellowship program is available here.
LEA launches 2015 Kilowatt Crackdown, Kilowatt Cup
Louisville, KY (December 2, 2015) – The Louisville Energy Alliance has re-launched its Kilowatt Crackdown and Kilowatt Cup competitions for the 2015 calendar year. The competition was on hiatus during 2013 and 2014.
Louisville’s Kilowatt Crackdown challenges commercial and industrial building owners and operators to track, reduce and report their electricity and natural gas consumption. This year’s competition will recognize the best performer and the most improved from 2014 to 2015. Winning buildings will be selected based on an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metric.
The Kilowatt Cup will recognize a commercial or industrial property that demonstrated superior achievement in energy efficiency in 2015. Applicants must submit a 500-word narrative on their building's energy efficiency achievements.
The deadline to register for the Kilowatt Crackdown is January 15, 2016, and the deadline to apply for the Kilowatt Cup is March 15, 2016.
Louisville’s Kilowatt Crackdown challenges commercial and industrial building owners and operators to track, reduce and report their electricity and natural gas consumption. This year’s competition will recognize the best performer and the most improved from 2014 to 2015. Winning buildings will be selected based on an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metric.
The Kilowatt Cup will recognize a commercial or industrial property that demonstrated superior achievement in energy efficiency in 2015. Applicants must submit a 500-word narrative on their building's energy efficiency achievements.
The deadline to register for the Kilowatt Crackdown is January 15, 2016, and the deadline to apply for the Kilowatt Cup is March 15, 2016.
LEA names new board members, elects officers
Louisville, KY (August 17, 2015) – Richard Hoopengardner, Senior Manager of Operations at Kentucky Science Center, has been elected chair of Louisville Energy Alliance’s Board of Directors.
In addition to Mr. Hoopengardner, other officers elected for the year are:
About the Louisville Energy Alliance (www.louisvilleenergyalliance.org)
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) promotes energy efficiency and conservation through ENERGY STAR programs and certifications. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we offer educational events and programs to commercial building owners and managers, helping them access resources to improve energy efficiency, benchmark energy consumption, and obtain ENERGY STAR Certification.
LEA’s vision is to reduce greenhouse gas emission through energy efficiency and conservation efforts.
In addition to Mr. Hoopengardner, other officers elected for the year are:
- Vice Chair – Maria Koetter, Director, Office of Sustainability, Louisville Metro Government
- Treasurer – Tim McDonald, President & CEO of Eagle Paper, Inc.
- Secretary – Andrea Webster, Sustainability Project Coordinator, Office of Sustainability, Louisville Metro Government
- Immediate Past Chair – Chris Cieminski, General Property Manager at Hines
- Kim Martinez - QRS Recycling, Sustainability/Procurement Manager
- Will Johnson – Graybar, Business Development Manager - Power Distribution
- Cassie Nichols – Carmen, LEED Certified Landscape Design Professional
About the Louisville Energy Alliance (www.louisvilleenergyalliance.org)
The Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) promotes energy efficiency and conservation through ENERGY STAR programs and certifications. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we offer educational events and programs to commercial building owners and managers, helping them access resources to improve energy efficiency, benchmark energy consumption, and obtain ENERGY STAR Certification.
LEA’s vision is to reduce greenhouse gas emission through energy efficiency and conservation efforts.