Carris Reels named business leader in energy efficiency
Rutland, VT
Carris Reels has been named a 2014 “Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency” for its commitment to lowering energy use. Nominated by Efficiency Vermont, the Rutland based reel and spool manufacturer is being honored for cumulative efforts that have reduced its annual energy costs by more than $190,000. The award is given annually by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), a non-profit energy efficiency advocacy organization, to highlight the energy-saving achievements of organizations throughout the region.
“We are proud to recognize Carris Reels for their success and commitment to energy efficiency,” said Sue Coakley, Executive Director of NEEP. “Carris Reels provides an excellent example of how energy saving investments can improve a company’s bottom line, contribute to economic growth, and reduce environmental impact.”
Carris Reels was selected for recognition for its efficient approaches to lighting, industrial processes, and building tightness. Particularly notable was the reduction of approximately $50,000 per year in compressed air costs. Efficiency Vermont helped Carris Reels hire a specialist, who identified two oversized compressors and air leaks throughout the distribution systems. The payback on the compressed air upgrades will be less than two years.
“At first, we were hesitant to change our manufacturing process,” said Tim Lybeck, Operations Manager for Carris Reels. “But the data was compelling. I only wish we’d acted sooner!”
The NEEP award also honors Carris Reels for its continuing monitoring of its energy use, to maintain ongoing awareness of building and equipment performance and processes.
“We are proud to work in support of Carris Reels and we congratulate them on this well-deserved honor,” said Dave Adams, Staff Manager, Account Management, at Efficiency Vermont. “Their commitment to minimizing waste and optimizing facility and operational efficiency not only strengthens them financially but also reduces electricity demand in the Northeast. That results in lower costs for all of us, by preventing the need for new electric transmission infrastructure and associated utility rate hikes.”
Carris Reels will be recognized, along with winners from neighboring states, in Newport, Rhode Island,June 2-3, 2014 at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit. The gathering brings together regional leaders in public policy, business, energy efficiency, and consumer and environmental advocacy to advance energy efficiency as the leading clean energy resource for the Northeast.
About Efficiency Vermont
As the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.
Carris Reels, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of hardwood, plywood, and metal reels, as well as paper and plastic barrels. A Rutland, Vermont based company established in 1951, Carris Reels has 17 locations in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, employing 180 people in Vermont out of 450 nationwide. The company is 100% employee owned. www.carris.com
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships was founded in 1996 as a non-profit whose mission is to serve the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to accelerate energy efficiency in the building sector through public policy, program strategies and education. Our vision is that the region will fully embrace energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainable energy policy to help achieve a cleaner environment and a more reliable and affordable energy system. www.neep.org
Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]