The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Verizon with a 2015 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency achievements.

This is the third consecutive year that Verizon has received this honor from the U.S. EPA.

Verizon seeks Energy Star certification for all eligible Verizon Wireless retail stores and other company facilities that meet the U.S. EPA's standards for energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In all, 193 Verizon facilities earned Energy Star certification by the end of 2014 – 177 Verizon Wireless retail stores and 16 other Verizon facilities across the United States.

One of these facilities is a large Verizon distribution center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, where Verizon teamed with the building owner to make the improvements necessary to attain Energy Star certification.

The facility ultimately earned 81 out of 100 points, which means it uses energy more efficiently than 81 percent of similar facilities nationwide. It was also the first Verizon building of its type to earn Energy Star certification.

"Through its sustained participation with Energy Star, Verizon is helping Americans save money, save energy and do their part to reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "I applaud Verizon for earning EPA's highest Energy Star award, the 2015 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to energy efficiency and to preserving a healthy planet for future generations."

James Gowen, chief sustainability officer for Verizon, said: "Our partnership with Energy Star has helped us make continuous strides forward, toward the achievement of our sustainability goals. It's an honor to be recognized again. It's exciting to see the progress we've made through our Verizon Wireless retail stores, our operational facilities and other areas of our business. We remain committed to continuing our work to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment."

Verizon, an Energy Star partner since 2006, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency and accomplishments in Washington, D.C., on April 20.

Since its inception in 1992, Energy Star and its partners have helped prevent a total of more than 2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2013 alone, Energy Star and its partners provided more than $11 billion in societal benefits due to reducing damages from climate change.

The 2015 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through superior energy-efficiency achievements.

These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, and employing innovative energy efficiency approaches. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the Energy Star program, including energy-efficient products, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.

For more information, read Verizon’s Corporate Responsibility Report webpage.

4/13/2015