[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: City of Columbia selected as a Semifinalist in the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brenna Reed, Sustainability Educator 
573-441-5526 / bsreed at gocolumbiamo.com
Barbara Buffaloe, Sustainability Manager
517-817-5025 / babuffal at gocolumbiamo.com

City of Columbia selected as a Semifinalist in the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize

COLUMBIA, MO (January 14, 2015) - Columbia is among 50 elite communities across the nation leading the way on energy efficiency.

Today, the City of Columbia officially advances to the Semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a national competition that is challenging communities across the U.S. to rethink their energy use. At a press event in Washington, D.C. today, Columbia was announced as one of the 50 communities who are leading the way on energy efficiency. By advancing in the Georgetown University Energy Prize our community is at the forefront of national energy efficiency innovation.

"Not only do we want to improve our community's and state's energy efficiency -- currently Missouri is ranked 44th in nationwide energy efficiency rankings -- we are hoping to improve the quality of life for all Columbians," says the City's Sustainability Educator Brenna Reed. "We know by helping residents to reduce their monthly utility expenses, we can do this, and create a healthier environment to live in."

The CoMo Energy Challenge is Columbia's campaign for the Georgetown University Energy Prize. For the next two years, the CoMo Energy Challenge will be helping residents learn how they can become more energy efficient by making upgrades to their homes, changing behaviors, and sparking a conversation. The CoMo Energy Challenge has partnered with all three utilities serving Columbia and several community service organizations to leverage existing customer programs and enthusiasm for energy efficiency, including rebates and financing offers for home efficiency upgrades. For example, the best way to begin your journey towards becoming more energy efficient at home is to get a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® assessment through your electric utility. Columbia Water & Light, and Boone Electric, both offer this nationally recognized program.

"The City of Columbia and it's partners, as well as mayors and executives across the country, have told us that this Prize gives them the momentum to accelerate their energy efficiency efforts," said Dr. Francis Slakey, Founder and Executive Director of the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Slakey continued, "these Semifinalist communities are leading the way for other small- and medium-size cities and counties to secure their energy efficient future."

"Our goal in competing in this competition is to make Columbia a better place for everyone to live." said Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid. "By becoming more energy-efficient, our neighbors can save on monthly expenses, be more comfortable at home, and lead by example in a national spotlight."

"The competition looks truly like America," said Dr. Slakey, "not only do these communities come from across the map, they come from across the political spectrum, represent all socioeconomic strata, and include demographically diverse populations. Â Some are paying the highest prices for energy, some have the ambition to be carbon net-zero, but all communities share the goal of transforming America's energy future."

The CoMo Energy Challenge will formally kick-off with a community event at Westlake's Ace Hardware the weekend of January 30. Energy experts will be on site for Q & A and demonstrations, and Westlake's will be offering a special discount on LED light bulbs just for the event, to jumpstart Columbian's energy savings!

 

About CoMo Energy Challenge

The CoMo Energy Challenge is Columbia's campaign for the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Based out of the City of Columbia's Office of Sustainability, the challenge has support from many community partners including: Columbia Public Schools, University of Missouri, Central Missouri Community Action,, Community Foundation of Central Missouri, Columbia Water and Light, Ameren Missouri, Boone Electric Cooperative, and several community service organizations. Together, we are competing for $5 million and change! For more information, visit www.comoenergychallenge.com

Follow us on Facebook: /CoMoEnergyChallenge and Twitter: @CoMoChallenge

 

About Georgetown University Energy Prize

The $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize challenges small- to medium-size towns, cities, and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. To compete for the Prize, local governments, residents, utilities, and others will need to work together to demonstrate success in sustainably reducing energy consumption over a two-year period. For more information, visit www.guep.org.


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