This year’s Inspiring Efficiency Award nominees were some of the most impressive candidates we’ve seen in our 12 years honoring the leaders and innovators in the energy efficiency community. Congratulations to all the nominees, and thank you for dedication and vision.

The Inspiring Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award is presented to the organization or individual who has served as a strong leader in support of energy efficiency in their city, state, region, company or community. Candidates may include state and local political leaders, regulatory officials, legislators, state agency directors, corporations or other policymakers who have been exceptional in their support of energy efficiency.

Congratulations to all this year’s nominees:

The Inspiring Efficiency through Education Award will be presented to the organization that has developed and implemented a campaign, program, or strategy to increase knowledge and action on energy efficiency. Applicants should describe how their campaign, program or strategy is an example for the region.

Thank you to all of this year’s Education category applicants:

The Inspiring Efficiency Impact Award is presented to the organization that has made a significant contribution to market transformation either through the implementation of a specific program or through a policy change. The applicant will need to clearly demonstrate the measurable and significant impact that the program or policy has had on reducing energy consumption, altering public behaviors/practices, and/or increasing the market penetration of energy-efficient products and technologies in the Midwest. This award covers the residential, commercial, institutional, agricultural and industrial sectors.

Thanks to all this year’s applicants in the Impact category:

The Inspiring Efficiency through Innovation Award is presented to the nominee that has developed and implemented a new and innovative program or policy in the Midwest. While the concept of the program or policy may have been implemented elsewhere, the applicant will need to clearly detail why the program or policy and its impact is unique to the region and new to the marketplace.

Thanks to all this year’s applicants in the Innovation category:

The Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP), currently in its second round, includes a total of 50 cities and counties competing to “change the way America uses energy.” Each city or county has already developed a long-term energy efficiency plan. Now they are implementing their plan’s initial effectiveness/sustainability over a two-year period. The competition provides a unique platform bringing together residents, government leaders and utilities into competing communities – united in the goal of improving their energy efficiency.

The Inspiring Efficiency through Marketing Award is presented to the nominee that has engaged in or supported a marketing campaign, program or strategy to increase the adoption of energy efficient products and/or best practices in the Midwest region.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Marketing category nominees:

Congratulations to the University of Minnesota’s “Team OptiMN” who won the Department of Energy’s Race to Zero Student Design Competition last month in Golden, Colorado!

The team, led by students Laurel Johnston, Peter Schneider, Cavan Wagg and Collin Coltman, bested 32 other teams from across the country in a competition to create a cost-effective home that uses little to no energy by optimizing energy efficiency and utilizing renewable resources. The team was also overseen by Professor Pat Huelman, who worked alongside MEEA on the development of Minnesota’s new building energy code.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the Illinois Energy & Recycling Office at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) with a 2015 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award for its work on the Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. DCEO’s accomplishments will be recognized in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2014.