Starting off the New Year right by recognizing energy efficiency accomplishments, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) presented its first 2016 Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Effort—to Escambia County’s Langley Bell 4-H Center for applying best energy practices in their new building.
“We commend Escambia County 4-H Center administrators for incorporating a variety of energy efficiency measures in its new building,” PSC Chairman Julie Brown said. “With the money saved on monthly energy costs, the 4-H Center now can do more for the youth and community it serves.”
“Working in concert with Escambia County and Gulf Power Company, we implemented energy efficiency recommendations, using floors optimized for natural daylight, low-e windows with roof overhang, and well insulated walls and ceilings,” said Pamela H. Allen, UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension Director. “Because of our center’s innovative building design, we also achieved a ‘Three Green Globes Certificate,’ being recognized for best practices in energy, water, and environmental efficiency.”
“Gulf Power always encourages businesses and organizations to start with us to learn about their organizations’ energy use and the best ways to save money on energy costs,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We worked closely with Escambia County’s Facilities Management before and during the 4-H Center’s new construction and helped them incorporate energy efficiency enhancements in many high-use energy areas, such as the center’s HVAC and outside air ventilation systems, as well as their lighting and roofing designs.”
The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity. Through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the PSC approves conservation programs for the state’s five investor-owned utilities, JEA, and the Orlando Utilities Commission.
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC gives its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for this year’s PSC Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, http://www.florida.com/.
About the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Escambia County
4-H is the non-formal educational youth development program of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Florida Extension. The nation’s largest youth development program and the only one that is university based, its purpose is to help youth become productive members of society. By developing life skills, youth learn practical solutions to problems they will face throughout their life. 4-H membership is open to youth ages 5-18 without regard to sex, disability, race, nationality, or ethnicity. For more information on the Escambia County 4-H Center, call 850-475-5230, or visit http://escambia.ifas.ufl.edu/4h/what-is-4-h/. For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com. Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
