Pella earns Energy Star award for sustained excellence

Pella Corporation of Pella, Iowa, has been honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency at the 2009 Energy Star Awards ceremony. Pella was honored with the Sustained Excellence award in recognition of three consecutive years as an Energy Star Partner of the Year.

This designation is given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited enduring leadership in their category year after year. Organizations that receive this award have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and demonstrating the benefits of energy efficiency on a continued basis.

The award recognizes Pella’s commitment to promoting the Energy Star program nationwide by incorporating new technologies and practicing environmental stewardship. Key achievements include:

·        Promoting Energy Star through labeling, training, sales and marketing, trade shows and exhibits, public relations extensions, and consumer/end-user education efforts.

·        Training 1,000 installers and 10,000 Pella Sales and Showroom personnel and national retail sales associates on Energy Star.

·        Creating numerous innovations in product design, with virtually every Pella product able to be upgraded to Energy Star status in most areas of the country.

Pella received Energy Star Sustained Excellence recognition for the first time this year. Pella has partnered with Energy Star since 1999. Pella's involvement in Energy Star extends to product design, testing, consumer education, sales, marketing, public outreach, product labeling, specification development and training. The Energy Star label is featured on major appliances, office equipment and lighting and home electronics, in addition to windows and doors. EPA also has extended the program to include new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Last year alone, with the help of Energy Star, Americans saved more than $19 billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles. By choosing Energy Star qualified products, the typical household can save up to 30 percent on its energy bills – more than $600 per year – while improving home comfort and helping the environment.