Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) has been named a 2013 “Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency” for its commitment to lowering energy use. Nominated by Efficiency Vermont, the Waterbury, Vt.-based company is being honored for efforts that reduced its yearly energy costs by more than $725,000. The award is given annually by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), a non-profit energy efficiency advocacy organization, to highlight the energy-saving achievements of organizations throughout the region.
“We are proud to recognize GMCR for their success and commitment to energy efficiency,” said Sue Coakley, executive director of NEEP, in a prepared statement. “GMCR provides an excellent example of how energy saving investments can improve a company’s bottom line, contribute to economic growth, and reduce environmental impact.”
GMCR was selected for recognition for its efficient approaches to lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and industrial process equipment in its Waterbury, Essex, and Williston plants. It was also recognized for the construction of its facility in South Burlington. In addition, the company is being honored for its ongoing monitoring of its energy use, to maintain continuous awareness of building and equipment performance.
“GMCR has shown a strong commitment to energy efficiency – not just in its buildings but also in every facet of its operations,” said Jim Merriam, director of Efficiency Vermont. “We are proud to be a longstanding partner of GMCR, and we look forward to supporting their continuing innovation and success.”
“Our exceptional growth rate over the past five years has provided us with a great opportunity to create systems and buildings that are both functional and energy efficient,” said Mick Muscat, facilities engineering manager for GMCR. “We are extremely fortunate that the company supports these dual objectives. With this support, we are able to significantly increase our energy efficiency.”
GMCR will be recognized, along with winners from neighboring states, in Springfield, Mass. on June 18 to 19, 2013, at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit. The gathering brings together regional leaders in public policy, business, energy efficiency, and consumer and environmental advocacy to advance energy efficiency as the leading clean energy resource for the Northeast.
