National Propane Day is October 7
11 in HVACR/Water Heating/Controls Named ENERGY STAR 'Partners of the Year'
April 13, 2021 -- ENERGY STAR today announced its 2021 'Partners of the Year,' and the list includes 11 manufacturers of HVACR, water heating and controls products.
"Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency honors a group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements. Whether a first time Partner of the Year winner or a Sustained Excellence winner for many years, these ENERGY STAR award-winning partners from across the country demonstrate that delivering real climate solutions makes good business sense and strengthens our economy," said ENERGY STAR, in a statement posted on the ENERGY STAR website.
"ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are showing the world that delivering real climate solutions makes good business sense and promotes job growth," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.
"Many of them have been doing it for years, inspiring all of us who are committed to tackling the climate crisis and leading the way to a clean energy economy," Regan said.
Two winners with leading HVACR products -- Bosch and Samsung -- won for home appliance-related accomplishments.
The HVACR/water heating/controls companies named as ENERGY STAR 'Partners of the Year' are:
- A.O. Smith
- Bosch (Appliances Division)
- Bradford White Corporation
- Broan-NuTone
- ecobee
- Emerson Sensi
- Howe Corporation
- Panasonic
- Rheem Manufacturing
- Samsung Electronics
- Schneider Electric
A.O. Smith
A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and treatment, was presented with a Sustained Excellence Award. This recognition marks the third consecutive year that A. O. Smith received an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for its commitment to providing professionals and homeowners with energy efficient solutions.
“Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the heart of everything we do at A. O. Smith. We are honored to be recognized as a three-time ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, and now Sustained Excellence Award winner,” said Francois Lebrasseur, utility segment market development manager for A. O. Smith. “Our company is constantly striving to create innovative products and solutions to protect our environment, save energy and provide the best solutions possible for our customers. As the industry moves towards a more environmentally focused and energy efficient future, we will continue to make sustainability a top priority.”
This year, A. O. Smith upgraded its mobile app to feature demand response and time-of-use capabilities. Once connected to the A. O. Smith iCOMM™Remote Monitoring platform, the app allows service professionals and homeowners to remotely monitor and control their water heater to improve performance, increase savings and reduce downtime. Upgraded specifically for the Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, the app makes it even easier to save money by integrating a heat pump into the growing number of utility smart grid programs.
Panasonic
Panasonic was also presented with a Sustained Excellence award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the ENERGY STAR program. Winners are part of a distinguished group that has made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change and protecting public health through energy efficiency. They are among the nation's leaders in driving value for the environment, the economy, and the American people.
"Panasonic is thrilled to receive this prestigious ENERGY STAR award, which highlights our dedication to the research, development and design of energy-efficient indoor air quality solutions," said Naoki Kamo, President, Panasonic Life Solutions Company of America. "By focusing on sustainable, healthy living, we strive to create healthy homes that will reduce energy costs and respect key elements of green building."
Rheem
Rheem was recognized for its global sustainability initiative, “A Greater Degree of Good” and its progress toward 2025 sustainability goals which encompass intelligent products, responsible processes and inspired people.
“Our products have an impact on our planet’s limited resources, and with that comes responsibility,” said John Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President of Operations for Rheem. “We’re committed to leading the way with intelligent products and sustainable solutions that truly make a difference for the environment.”
Rheem reports it has focused on reducing its greenhouse gas footprint related to both products and manufacturing, as well as the amount of waste sent to landfill globally. The company is also committed to training a quarter of a million plumbers, contractors and key influencers on sustainable products and best practices.
Rheem provided Contracting Business with a SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS REPORT.
'Partners of the Year' winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners.
CLICK THROUGH THE ABOVE GALLERY to read the energy accomplishments of the 11 HVACR-related companies.
NOTE: company descriptions provided by ENERGY STAR in the
2021 'Profiles in Leadership'
Story updated on April 14 to include additional company responses.