FOREST GROVE: Stimson Lumber earns Energy Leadership Award for sustainability campaign

Stimson Lumber Company was honored with Energy Trust's Energy Leadership Award on Wednesday, February 14. "Stimson's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable practices is consistent with the company's long tradition of quality," said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust.

Some companies assume that energy costs are just another cost of doing business. But not Stimson Lumber. Under the leadership of an employee-led task force, the company has shaved 15-20 percent from its electricity consumption through operational changes such as turning off unnecessary lights, cleaning light sensors, repairing air leaks and shutting down idled machinery. These savings came as a result of behavioral changes and did not require capital. In addition to these initiatives, the company is also investing in capital projects that will further increase energy savings. Pictured from left are Harris and Energy Trust Board President Tom Foley; Bonnie Gibbs and Jason Johnson, Stimson Lumber.

Read more about Stimson Lumber

STATEWIDE: Energy Trust expands incentive offerings for industrial facilities

Many Oregon industrial facilities aren't taking advantage of programs to improve efficiencies and lower energy consumption because of tight market conditions and limited funds for capital improvements. In response, Energy Trust of Oregon is making changes to its Production Efficiency program to make it easier for more facilities to tap Energy Trust cash incentives. Incentives support energy efficiency services, such as evaluation and scoping studies as well as energy-saving measures that improve operations. Energy Trust has committed $5.7 million for industrial projects in 2007.

Read more about Energy Trust's Production Efficiency program

TRADE ALLY OF THE MONTH: Eoff Electric Supply

Eoff Electric Supply has been brightening up Oregon with great savings from energy efficient commercial lighting. Eoff is an original member of the Energy Trust Trade Ally Network. Gil Amestoy (pictured left) is the specialist who is responsible for all energy projects at Eoff. In each of the past three years, Gil's projects have saved well over 2 million annual kilowatt hours. Eoff earned Energy Trust's Outstanding Contribution Award in 2004 and 2005. Mike Lindner, director of automation and energy management, says Energy Trust is a great resource. "The incentives really help us get people's attention, but the real value is having our estimated energy savings validated by Energy Trust when we make the presentation. It adds credibility to the numbers we present and gives the customer confidence he will receive the savings stated," said Lindner. "We expect our business to grow as more companies see the financial benefits of energy efficient lighting."

Visit the Eoff Electric Supply website

OREGON CITY: Willamette Falls Hospital uses light therapy to treat rising energy costs

Mark Sorensen isn't a doctor, but he's helping patients feel better and medical staff operate more effectively. As director of facilities management for Willamette Falls Hospital, Oregon City, Sorensen recently completed a project to install high efficiency lights throughout the 143-bed hospital. The new lighting systems are increasing patient satisfaction and employee morale, thanks to brighter and more balanced light levels. Hospital administrators are pleased with the $16,000 annual energy savings as well as the non-energy benefits of the new system.

Read more about Willamette Falls Hospital

STATEWIDE: Clean energy 50 percent of world supply by 2050, report says

Clean energies could surge to supply half of world demand by 2050 if governments crack down on use of fossil fuels, said a study by the renewable energy industry and an environmental group on Thursday. The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace said renewable energies—including wind, hydro, solar, tidal power and biomass—could leap from 13.2 percent of world supply if governments step up a fight against global warming. "Renewable energy, combined with the smart use of energy, can deliver half of the world's energy needs by 2050," EREC and Greenpeace said in a report entitled "Energy (R)evolution." (Source: Reuters)

Read more about the study

PROMOTIONS
Energy Trust offers special incentives throughout the year to encourage Oregonians to choose energy efficient products and install efficient and renewable features in their homes and businesses.

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