Washington, D.C.—Schools, hospitals, real estate companies, industry and home construction are among the 89 Energy Star award-winning organizations leading the way through energy efficient approaches and practices to help fight climate change.

“These honorees have stepped up to lead the way in energy efficiency and environmental protection,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Year after year, ENERGY STAR opens new opportunities to protect public health and the environment and channel the benefits into the economy.”

Organizations are recognized in one of three major award categories: Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence. The 37 Sustained Excellence winners, which exhibit outstanding leadership continually, are being recognized for their long-term commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. The 35 organizations that receive Partner of the Year awards have successfully promoted ENERGY STAR products and practices within their own organizations and managed energy use by providing products, services and education to consumers and their communities. Organizations recognized with an Excellence award are strong promoters of energy-efficient homes, products and practices to employees, consumers and the community at large while continuing to raise the awareness of energy efficiency.

In 2008, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $19 billion on their energy bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles. To date, 940,000 new homes and more than 6,000 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings have earned the ENERGY STAR. Since 2000, more than 2.5 billion ENERGY STAR-qualified products have been sold.

Visit www.energystar.gov/awards for a complete list of the winners.