Valesky’s Market, an independent family-owned grocery store in downtown Meadville, Crawford County, scored near the top in a federal energy audit and received an Energy Star award for reducing energy use and improving efficiency.

Garth Valesky says it is difficult to estimate the store’s total energy savings because the business has continuously expanded. However, he says the cost to heat the 28,000-square-foot market is approximately the same as it would be to heat an average-sized home.

“As independent business owners, we always have been very motivated to reduce our costs – and originally, that was the driving force when we rebuilt refrigeration units, installed new compressors and upgraded lighting,” Garth Valesky said. “We have been able to take advantage of energy-saving improvements offered by new technology.

“Over the years, our perspective has expanded as we became more aware of the environmental benefits of reducing energy consumption,” Garth Valesky continued. “My brother and I are glad to know that our business decisions are helping to protect the environment, especially in reducing greenhouse gases.”

The Valeskys are exploring new projects, including the possibility of adding of skylights that track the sun’s movements.

For more information, visit the Energy Star webpage or DEP's Energy webpage.

6/23/2006