“An increasing number of B.C. companies - and the inspiring leaders within them - are showing a concerted effort and deep commitment to reducing their electricity consumption,” said BC Hydro president and CEO Bob Elton. “As we’ve seen by the innovation of these organizations and businesses, the benefits go beyond cost savings. Their leadership is making a difference in helping British Columbians meet 50 per cent of future energy needs through conservation.”

The 2008 Power Smart Excellence Awards were awarded in the following categories:

• Builder/Developer of the Year

• Energy Champion

• Excellence in Energy Management

• Innovation in Sustainable Building Design

• Manufacturer of the Year

• Marketing Partner of the Year

• New Technology

• Outstanding Energy Efficiency Project

• Product Incentive Program Achievement Award

• Retailer of the Year

• Workplace Conservation Leadership Award

See the complete list of award recipients and finalists.

“We are thrilled these organizations have shown such a commitment to energy conservation. They are truly showing leadership among their sector peers,” said Lisa Coltart, BC Hydro’s Director of Power Smart. “The energy conservation efforts of these motivated individuals and groups are not going unnoticed within their workplaces. We wish all finalists the best of luck as the winners are announced on May 15th.”

Finalists for the 2008 Power Smart Excellence Awards are nominated in the following categories:

• Builder/Developer of the Year

• Energy Champion

• Excellence in Energy Management

• Innovation in Sustainable Building Design

• Manufacturer of the Year

• Marketing Partner of the Year

• New Technology

• Outstanding Energy Efficiency Project

• Product Incentive Program Achievement Award

• Retailer of the Year

• Workplace Conservation Leadership Award

See the complete list of finalists.

This premier energy conservation event will welcome hundreds of business customers from across B.C. for a spectacular celebration of all 2008 Power Smart Excellence Award finalists.  The evening will begin with a reception for this year’s finalists, past award recipients and other guests, followed by the awards ceremony and dinner in the Fairmont’s dazzling Waterfront Ballroom. Adding to the excitement will be the announcement of the award recipients, whose names will remain secret until the gala event.

Special guests in attendance will include members of Team Power Smart - celebrities, athletes, and business and government leaders who have committed to saving electricity and spreading the energy conservation message. Among them will be Team Power Smart coach and BC Hydro CEO Bob Elton.

Learn more about the Power Smart Excellence Awards and the new Workplace Conservation Leadership Award.

This premier energy conservation event will welcome hundreds of business customers from across B.C. for a spectacular evening of award presentations and entertainment.

Now in its sixth year, the Power Smart Excellence Awards showcase BC Hydro customers’ best energy efficiency and conservation practices and strive to inspire and enable other organizations to participate and implement their own programs that lead to a reduction in energy use.

The new award category recognizes individuals or teams who best exemplify an energy conservation ethic in their workplace.  The award will be presented to employees who have take steps to reduce their employer’s overall environmental footprint through energy conservation measures.  Workplace Conservation Leadership Award recipients will be recognized in three categories: commercial/institutional, industrial and government.

BC Hydro is celebrating workplace conservation leaders who have participated in an energy conservation program and whose primary role is not energy management. Until the end of February, individuals can nominate someone from their organization and that person may receive recognition at the Power Smart Excellence Awards ceremony on May 15, 2008.

Deadline for nominations for the Workplace Conservation Leadership Award is Friday, February 29, 2008.

This year for the first time, the Forum was supported by two days of workshops that allowed participants to explore energy sustainability topics in greater depth. The trade show was also expanded, and featured 27 exhibitors showcasing new products and technology to help businesses meet their energy efficiency targets.

If you attended this year’s Forum and you haven’t already done so, please complete and return the evaluation questionnaire to help us make next year’s Forum more valuable.

BC Hydro President and CEO Bob Elton opened the Forum with an introduction that emphasized the importance of BC Hydro and business working together in order to meet the province’s conservation goals. He stressed that even simple changes can make a difference.

The keynote speaker was Peter Robinson, CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op, a leader in environmental sustainability. Peter encouraged other businesses to take a leadership role and discover how adopting a long-term sustainability strategy is good for both the environment and their bottom line.

You’ll find Peter’s speech, and all of the 2007 Power Smart Forum presentations here.