Change the World Tour Launches

ENERGY STAR Update
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Thursday, October 2, 2014

ENERGY STAR Partners host events nationwide to make a difference in people’s lives through energy efficiency and community service demonstrating the Power of Positive Energy

WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launches the first-ever ENERGY STAR Change the World Tour. This nationwide tour is bringing public and private organizations from across the country together to make a difference in people’s lives through community service focused on energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR partners from coast to coast are participating in the tour, hosting events that demonstrate not only how individuals and communities can benefit from energy-efficiency improvements, but also how these efforts can collectively contribute in the fight against climate change. Selected events include everything from energy efficiency upgrades for Boys and Girls Clubs, homeless Veterans’ housing, and low-income housing to educational activities that help low-income families save energy, water and money and increase comfort.

“I have been awed and inspired by the community service provided by our ENERGY STAR partners as part of our inaugural Change the World Tour,” said Jill Vohr, Director of Marketing, ENERGY STAR Labeling Branch. “All of these efforts not only positively impact the lives of individuals, families and communities, but also the global community by helping prevent climate change. Now, that, is the power of positive energy.” 

The tour launches on Oct. 2 in the small town of Pinconning, Mich. and culminates on ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 28, in Phoenix, Ariz. Every stop on the tour shows how energy efficiency can be a simple, yet powerful tool to help all Americans save energy, save money and make a difference in the fight against climate change. The EPA will leverage the tour to inspire others to consider what they can do to make a positive impact through energy efficiency and to share their stories of the “power of positive energy” in celebration of ENERGY STAR Day.  
 
ENERGY STAR “Change the World through Community Service Tour” Events: 
 
Consumers Energy
October 2 – Boys & Girls Clubs, Pinconning, MI
Consumers Energy is hosting an energy-saving makeover at the Pinconning, Mich. Boys and Girls Club. The facility will receive energy efficiency upgrades, provided by ENERGY STAR manufacturing partners EarthTronics, LightCORP, and Samsung Electronics. Community members are invited to attend and learn more about saving energy and protecting the climate. In addition, Consumers Energy is working with the Michigan Chapter of Interfaith Power & Light to conduct energy assessments and take energy-savings measures at several local houses of worship.
Boys and Girls Club, 201 North Street, Pinconning, MI 4:30 – 7 pm
 
National Grid
October 3 – City of Worcester, MA 
National Grid joins Worcester: The City that Reads, and Worcester Historical Museum in celebration of World Smile Day^® and Acts of Kindness: Making lives better through saving energy, protecting the environment and improving community literacy. This event celebrates community service activities undertaken by National Grid throughout September and October to support energy efficiency and improved quality of life in Worcester, Mass. The day includes family activities across Worcester and a press event at Worcester Common/City Hall. There will also be a reception at National Grid’s Sustainability Hub featuring energy efficiency educational activities and product and other donations provided by ENERGY STAR partners National Grid, Samsung Electronics, and LG Electronics.
Worcester City Hall, Mullaney Plaza, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 11:20 am – 4:20 pm

Baltimore Gas & Electric
October 7-9 – Boys & Girls Club, Edgewood, MD
From October 7-9, employees at Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E) will roll up their sleeves to make energy-efficient improvements at the Boys & Girls Club in Harford County, MD, including lighting upgrades throughout the entire facility, painting and structural improvements, new energy-efficient blinds, and landscaping. BG&E also worked with organizations such as The Home Depot, Gardiners, BEMO Energy Solutions, C&J Contractors, and others to provide paint, furniture and new ENERGY STAR appliances, electronics and lighting. A mural is being donated by Art with a Heart for the Art Room. Starting at 6 pm on October 9, renovations will be unveiled for Club members and their families to enjoy as part of a fun-filled, educational family night.
Boys & Girls Club, 2002 Cedar Dr., Edgewood, Md 6 - 8 pm

Pacific Gas and Electric  
October 17 – Habitat for Humanity, San Francisco, CA
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is working with Habitat for Humanity to build energy-efficient homes for Habitat Terrace, Habitat Greater San Francisco’s newest development. PG&E employees, along with countless other volunteers, are building 28 single-family homes on about one acre at One Capitol Ave. in San Francisco’s Oceanview neighborhood. About 90 percent of the construction is done by volunteers, who will help with framing, plumbing, painting, dry walling, siding, and learn about the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability. PG&E volunteers are providing onsite support under the guidance of experienced construction managers and Americorps staff to provide safe, affordable, energy-efficient homes to 28 hard-working families in the community.
Habitat Terrace, 1 Capitol Ave., San Francisco, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
 
Xcel Energy
October 18 - Westridge Homes (Denver Housing Authority), Denver, CO
Xcel Energy Colorado is working with Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC), the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and Group 14 Engineering to host an event promoting energy efficiency among DHA residents. In the past two years, Xcel Energy and EOC supported upgrades to appliances and other equipment in DHA buildings, increasing resident comfort levels and saving energy, water and money. DHA residents are invited to participate in an energy fair where upgrades will be unveiled, including product donations from LG Electronics, and families will engage in fun-filled activities to educate them about the importance of energy-saving behavior. 
Westridge Homes at the Mulory Opportunity Center, 3550 W. 13th Ave., Denver 11 am – 2 pm
 
Southern California Edison
October 19-20 – Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, Orange, CA
Southern California Edison (SCE) is planting trees and spreading the how-to’s and benefits of energy efficiency throughout Southern California. Thanks to a generous grant from Edison International, on October 19, SCE employees will volunteer their time and partner with Green Camps Initiative, a sustainable camp program, to plant California native trees at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, a property that serves 7,000 youth during the school year. On Oct. 20, members of the American Camp Association (ACA) will have an opportunity to learn from SCE and EPA about the many ways to leverage energy efficiency at their camps to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and help the environment through reduced greenhouse gas emissions while also providing educational and career opportunities for the millions of kids served by the ACA.
Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 2 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA, 8 am – 2 pm 
 
Arizona Public Service
October 28 – Veterans’ Housing Facility, Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Public Service (APS) is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate an extensive energy-efficiency upgrade at U.S. Vets, a 135-unit non-profit housing facility for homeless veterans in Phoenix. The renovation included ENERGY STAR­ certified lighting, appliances, insulation, weatherization and windows, plus upgraded HVAC equipment provided by ENERGY STAR partners including Fujitsu, Sears, Electrolux, LG Electronics, Whirlpool, and Cree. The event features a tour of the upgrade and recognition to all of the partners contributing to the renovation, as well as a reception for Veteran residents.
Veterans Housing Facility, 3400 NW Grand Avenue, Phoenix, 1 – 2:30 pm
 
More information on the tour and events: energystar.gov/changetheworldtour
 
ENERGY STAR is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20 years, people in America have looked to EPA’s ENERGY STAR program for guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment. Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions that contribute to climate change. Today, ENERGY STAR is the most widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing carbon pollution by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are already making a difference at energystar.gov.