A Florida utility and a Florida company, organization or individual that demonstrate statewide leadership and significant accomplishments in sustainability and energy savings will be honored. Last year’s recipient was Ann C. Wilkie, associate professor at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). She was recognized for her extensive work in alternative energy – creating bio-energy from animal waste – and her leadership in promoting awareness and understanding of renewable energy and sustainable practices. Previous award winners also include Walt Disney World and Sarasota County Government. There were no applicants last year for the Florida Utility Energy Achievement Award.

Results recognized through the awards could include reducing energy use, water conservation, renewable energy generation, the use of alternative fuel vehicles and renovations or retrofits with energy-saving measures. Other results could include reducing pollution, innovative energy-saving performance contracts or utility energy services contracts, having a major impact on public education regarding energy issues or playing a prominent role in educating or disseminating information related to energy conservation.

Applications for the 2008 awards must be received at the Florida Solar Energy Center by January 16, 2009.

To apply for the award, interested organizations and individuals should send the form available at the bottom of this release and a letter to FSEC highlighting a key project and documenting its impact and effectiveness. The letter must give information on the program or activities that qualify for the award.  Well-documented, quantifiable measures should be included to demonstrate the energy savings and environmental benefits to Florida. The utility competition is open to all Florida utility companies. The general competition is open to all Florida companies, organizations and individuals. Staff members of the Florida Solar Energy Center and their families are not eligible for either competition.

Applications should be sent to:
Dr. James Fenton, Director
Florida Solar Energy Center
1679 Clearlake Road
Cocoa, Florida 32922

Applications should be postmarked by January 16, 2009. Questions should be directed to Philip Fairey at 321-638-1005 or pfairey@fsec.ucf.edu.

The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research institute in the country. Current divisions and their research activities include Advanced Energy Research: alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel and fuel cells; Buildings Research: energy-efficient buildings; and Solar Energy: solar water and pool heating and solar electric and distributed generation systems. For more information about the center, visit www.floridaenergycenter.org or call the FSEC Public Affairs Office at 321-638-1015.

Applications in pdf can be downloaded below:

Florida Energy Achievement Award

Florida Energy Achievement Award for Utilities

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PR08-15