SEN. GABBARD HONORS SUPER GREEN CHAMPIONS AND WINNER OF THE CAPITAL 10 ENERGY CHALLENGE

HONOLULU, February 14, 2013 - Senator Mike Gabbard (West Oahu), Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee, honored the Super Green Champions and the State Capitol building, as the winner of the Capital 10 Energy Challenge, during a floor presentation in the State Senate Chambers on February 15th at 11:30am.

Senator Gabbard said, "Our Green Champions are one of the main reasons why we're making great progress in reducing our energy load in state buildings. It definitely makes sense to say mahalo to them all for a job very well done."

Green Champions are 30 state employees who volunteered to lead energy conservation efforts within their departments. They were trained and supported by specialists with the Energy Conservation Through Behavior Change team from NORESCO, an energy services company contracted by the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). The four Super Green Champions being recognized are: Paulette Abe of the House of Representatives Sgt. of Arms; Jon Chin of the Department of Business, Economic Development, & Tourism; Roxanne Moore of the Department of Taxation; and Will Tungol of the Department of Human Services.

The Capital 10 Energy Challenge was launched by Senator Gabbard in partnership with DAGS & NORESCO in January 2012 to further the conservation efforts already in place. The challenge was modeled after the EPA's "Battle of the Buildings", a nationwide event that challenged state offices to reduce energy consumption.

Each of the ten Capitol District Buildings was asked to identify and adopt methods to maximize energy savings. After a year of participation, the ten buildings were able to significantly reduce their energy consumption by a combined 7%. The State Capitol building won the competition with a 16% energy reduction.

For more information on the Challenge or the event, please contact Senator Gabbard's office at 586-6830.