PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Pennsylvania small businesses claimed six of the eight national ENERGY STAR Awards, thanks to recommendations from the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers’ Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presents ENERGY STAR Awards to small businesses and congregations, institutions and associations that promote energy efficiency in their facilities. ENERGY STAR winners from Pennsylvania all received free and confidential assistance from environmental consultants through EMAP. The program, open to small businesses across the state, provided energy efficiency assessments.

“This recognition by the EPA is a compelling affirmation of the impact our program is having on the Commonwealth,” said Christopher Lynch, EMAP Director. “Small businesses can cut utility costs over 30 percent by implementing recommendations from our staff. It’s smart practice to run a more energy-efficient business, and I applaud the six winners that have made the strategic investment to do so.”

Energy audits addressing the specific energy consumption concerns of each business uncovered over $20,000 in combined annual energy savings for the EMAP clients. The savings from some upgrades paid for themselves in as little as three months. Winners included the following:

Gehman & Co., a furniture retailer in Mechanicsburg, uncovered $4,700 in annual energy savings following advice from an EMAP audit conducted through the Kutztown University SBDC. Under the advisement of EMAP, Gehman installed energy-efficient HVAC equipment, a new lighting system and disconnected extra water heaters.

Music Mart, Inc. of State College reduced its energy costs by making upgrades to their lower efficiency air conditioning units and reducing their use of incandescent lighting by installing compact fluorescents. The upgrades, suggested by EMAP consultants at the Penn State SBDC, resulted in annual savings of $1,840.

RBR Recumbent Bike Riders sought an energy audit from EMAP consultants at the Penn State SBDC for their store in State College. The audit’s recommendations included replacement of the store’s single pane windows, which had been the cause of significant heat loss and damage to inventory through excessive UV light exposure. The changes made to the RBR store resulted in a 33 percent reduction in energy consumption.

Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. of Dewart saved over $2,280 by following the suggestions from their audit conducted by EMAP consultants at the Bucknell University SBDC. Recommended improvements included adding door seals, installing new insulation and removing unnecessary light fixtures.

TJ’s Market of Hughesville also turned to EMAP consultants at the Lock Haven SBDC for help in improving its energy efficiency. Recommended lighting changes resulted in $8,600 annual savings for the company and better illumination throughout the store.

Tripp’s Grill of North Bend worked with EMAP consultants at the Lock Haven University SBDC to reduce their energy costs. By following the recommended changes to their coolers, Tripp’s is currently saving more than $1,900 in electricity costs.

“Getting the most out of your energy dollars just makes sense," said U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “I applaud winners for spreading the word that smart energy decisions are good for our environment and our wallets.”

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers’ Environmental Management Assistance Program offers in-depth assistance with environmental regulatory requirements, identifying and implementing energy efficiency and waste minimization opportunities, developing new environmental technology and finding sources of financing for environmental upgrades. Visit www.askemap.org for more information on how businesses can start saving and make contributions to a cleaner environment.

As the largest statewide provider of entrepreneurial services, the SBDCs play a unique and vital role in the Commonwealth's economic development initiatives. By utilizing the expertise and resources of 18 of the best colleges and universities in the state, the SBDCs are able to assist entrepreneurs in all stages of business across all industry sectors. Funding support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the SBDC host institutions enables consulting services to be provided at no charge to the client. In addition to environmental assistance, the SBDCs offer other specialized consulting services, including assistance in pursuing government contracts, developing new technologies and products, and engaging in international trade. For more information on the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers’ services and impact, visit www.pasbdc.org.

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