CEE’S One-Stop Small Business Program Honored by U.S. Dept of Energy

In August, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Integrated Lighting Campaign recognized Center for Energy and Environment among 18 organizations receiving 2024 Integrated Lighting Campaign Awards for exemplary commitment or support for energy efficiency in buildings. CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop® program was honored as both an Exemplary Supporter and an Energy Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion.

Sponsored by Xcel Energy, CEE’s One-Stop program enables small businesses (400 kW demand or less) to implement high-value lighting, refrigeration, and HVAC efficiency upgrades. With a focus on otherwise underserved markets, the team promotes assessments and upgrades in individual buildings, partners locally to spread the word, and informs vendors about efficiency and savings opportunities to benefit their customers.

“High-quality, efficient lighting is a cornerstone of DOE’s Building Decarbonization Blueprint and efforts to reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and create healthier communities,” said Hayes Jones, acting director of DOE’s Building Technologies Office. “These projects and partners are proof positive that our nation is well on its way not only to meet its ambitious decarbonization goals but also to ensure the benefits of these technologies directly reach and impact every American community.”

Since the One-Stop program started in 2000, participating businesses have collectively saved:

• 228 megawatts total
• 917 gigawatt hours total
• 715,100 tons of carbon dioxide total
• $82 million annually

“We work hard to make life easier for the small businesses that have historically been least likely to engage in energy efficiency programs,” explained Kristen Funk, CEE’s Senior Director of Commercial and Industrial Energy. “Working throughout Xcel Energy’s Minnesota territory, we prioritize saving energy and money in financially stressed Twin Cities corridors and rural areas. Building on decades of success, we combine time-tested, full-service strategies with technical and financial resources that make energy efficiency more meaningful and more feasible for all.”

About CEE 

CEE seeks a healthy, carbon-neutral economy that works for all people. A 501(c)(3) clean energy nonprofit with nearly 40 years' experience in energy efficiency, we align our strategies behind technical research, program development and implementation, community engagement, policy advocacy, and project financing. Working across homes, businesses, and communities, CEE discovers and deploys the most effective energy solutions to improve the environment and strengthen the economy for everyone. Online at mncee.org.