October 24, 2005
News Release 05-19
Brad Peck, Corporate Communications Officer
(509) 377-8247 / 727-2808
RICHLAND, Wash. – Public power agency Energy Northwest has been awarded the prestigious 2005 Environmental Innovator of the Year award by the Association of Washington Business. Karl Pennock, Environmental Scientist; and Laura Schinnell, Licensing Project Manager; received the award on behalf of Energy Northwest and its 19 public power member organizations at the recent 2005 Environmental Conference in Seattle.
In granting the award, the association cited Energy Northwest’s efforts in the development of environmentally-friendly renewable energy power generation projects and successful integration of environmental management practices throughout the public power agency. Those efforts included:
1. Nine Canyon Wind Project – one of the largest public power wind projects in the nation.
2. Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project – one of three hydroelectric projects in the State of Washington to be considered environmentally friendly because of its minimal impact on fish.
3. White Bluffs Solar Station – a solar demonstration project owned and operated by Energy Northwest. (The Bonneville Environmental Foundation sells “green tags” from the facility to businesses that want to support construction of new renewable resources or companies mitigating pollutants in one form or another.)
4. Creation of a corporate Environmental Management System and subsequent attainment of ISO 14001 standards for 2005; the first public utility in the region to attain the registration.
5. Pursuit of the EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track.
6. More than $1.6M in cost savings and avoided costs during FY2005 resulting from the adoption of environmentally responsible processes and practices.
7. Boosting of employee morale and environmental stewardship through formal environmental Awards and Recognition Program.
8. Sharing trained personnel and resources with other ISO 14001 members to assess the environmental performance of other organizations.
9. More than 10,000 hours of environmental stewardship effort.
10. Increased emphasis on recycling opportunities throughout all facilities.
Energy Northwest was not the only team singled out for excellence. The Association of Washington Business was itself recognized for excellence with recent receipt of the President’s Award from the Association of State Chamber Professionals. The award recognizes AWB as the nation’s top state chamber of commerce for 2005.