STAMFORD, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today congratulated HEI Hotels & Resorts for receiving the 2013 Energy Star Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE). HEI is a leading hospitality investment company based in Norwalk, Conn. that develops and operates hotels and resorts across the country.
“I am pleased to see that HEI and many other businesses are transforming their operations to incorporate sustainable operations—it’s good business and good for the environment,” Himes said. “As we work to reverse the dangerous threat of climate change, businesses like HEI should be applauded for leading the way.”
HEI received the Energy Star Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence because of its innovative and holistic approach to sustainable energy practices. In the past year, the company decreased its energy usage by 2.7 percent, with a 36 percent total reduction since 2006. Among the company’s many initiatives is an incentive program for the chief engineers to encourage proactive management of energy usage at their respective properties. HEI also won Partner of the Year awards in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
"Our commitment to the environment – and to our communities and employees – runs deep," said HEI CEO Anthony Rutledge. "By investing smartly in our existing and new properties, we can increase energy efficiency through our partnership with ENERGY STAR, which helps protect the environment and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Everyone benefits through such partnerships – our guests, our communities and our employees and their families."
Each year, the EPA and DOE recognize and honor organizations with this award who have made impressive progress in doing their part to protect the environment through energy efficiency.