Summit News Room
Yankee Candle Co. named Business Leader for Energy Efficiency
South Deerfield Company Recognized for Its Commitment to Achieving Significant Energy Savings
LEXINGTON, MA – Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) has announced that The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. will be recognized as a ‘Business Leader for Energy Efficiency’ at the Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit in Warwick, RI on June 8, 2011. Nominated by Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), the leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles, is being honored for its continued efforts to advance energy efficiency in its manufacturing facility and flagship store in South Deerfield, MA which have resulted in annual energy savings of nearly 3.5 million kWh, and cost savings of over $400,000.
Since 2006 Yankee Candle has utilized the technical expertise of WMECo to select energy-efficient retail display lighting for its flagship store. Using product lists from ENERGY STAR™, the DesignLights™ Consortium and Mass Save, the company chose fixtures with a proven illumination level and useful life.
Projects have included a facility-wide implementation of LED lighting technology, extensive compressed air system efficiency improvements (such as an ongoing leak detection and repair program, distribution piping design and Variable Frequency Drive-controlled compressors), a heat wheel energy recovery system and high efficiency central cooling. Total energy savings are approximately 3.5 million kWh annually, plus a peak demand reduction of 424 kilowatts.
“Yankee Candle’s South Deerfield store is an excellent example of how innovative technology and planning can result in both efficiency and cost savings,” said Bob Dvorchik, Supervisor - Commercial & Industrial Energy Conservation Programs from WMECo. “From the beginning, Yankee Candle understood that success at its flagship store would set an example for other retailers. The initial retail display LED project has already been replicated at many of its satellite retail facilities.”
“NEEP is proud to recognize Yankee Candle and WEMCo for their collaborative success and commitment to energy efficiency,” said Sue Coakley, Executive Director of NEEP. “Yankee Candle provides an excellent example of how energy efficient measures can improve a company’s bottom line, contribute to economic growth and reduce environmental impact.”
Yankee Candle will be recognized, along with 11 other Northeast Energy Efficiency Business Leaders at the 2011 Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit. Members of the media are invited to attend at no charge. For more information about the Summit and Business Leaders Recognition program, please visit http://neep.org/neep-summit.
Other 2011 Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency include: BAE Systems, Inc., Nashua, NH; Building Land & Technology, Stamford, CT; Cabot Creamery, Cabot, VT; Cape Air, Hyannis, MA; FM Global, Johnston, RI; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA; Plenus Group, Lowell, MA; Positive Promotions, Hauppauge, NY; PTI Industries, Enfield, CT; St. Paul's School, Concord, NH; Westfield Trumbull Shopping Center, Trumbull CT.
About the Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit
NEEP's Northeast Energy Efficiency Summit, June 7-8, is the premier regional forum to learn about and become involved in energy efficiency in the Northeast. This two-day event brings together leaders from across the region in public policy, business, energy efficiency solutions, and consumer and environmental advocacy to support the vision of energy efficiency as a solution to the challenge of reliable and clean energy. Esteemed speakers plus exhibits from up to 40 exhibitors will also showcase the benefits, successes and challenges of public policies and programs that advance energy efficiency as the leading clean energy resource for the Northeast. Register and find out about Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities today at www.neep.org/neep-summit
About NEEP
NEEP is a non-profit organization that transforms the way we use and think about energy. Through advocacy, collaboration and education we focus on three areas where we believe energy efficiency can have the greatest impact: buildings, high efficiency products & best practices. Our unique approach helps bring together all stakeholders to accelerate energy efficiency and highlight its impacts on the region, the economy, and the planet. For more information, visit www.neep.org.
About Yankee Candle
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. is the leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles, based on sales, in the giftware industry. Yankee Candle has a 41-year history of offering distinctive products and marketing them as affordable luxuries and consumable gifts. The Company sells its products through a North American wholesale customer network of approximately 20,100 store locations, a growing base of Company owned and operated retail stores (518 Yankee Candle Stores located in 44 states as of April 2, 2011), direct mail catalogs, and its Internet website (www.yankeecandle.com). Outside of North America, the Company sells its products primarily through its subsidiary, Yankee Candle Company (Europe), Ltd., which has an international wholesale customer network of approximately 5,200 store locations and distributors covering a combined 47 countries.
About Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE:NU), serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECO, visit their Web site at www.wmeco.com. For more information, please visit our Web site www.nu.com.
Contact: Carrie Nash
Strategic Marketing Manager
W: 781-860-9177 Ext. 125
Visit our website: www.neep.org or our blog: www.efficiencymatters.org
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