Association of Climate Change Officers Presents 2010 Climate Leadership Award to Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Iberdrola and Sacramento Municipal Utility District

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Climate Change Officers ("ACCO") recognized the winners of its first annual Climate Leadership Award at its first annual Climate Leadership Awards Gala, which was attended by 100 climate action leaders from across sectors this week.  The winners, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (non-profit), Iberdrola (corporate), and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (government) were recognized for exemplary leadership in their respective sectors by a panel of 20 judges ("CLA Judges Committee") representing climate leadership in industry, government, academia and the non-profit community.

The Climate Leadership Awards program ("CLA") was designed to recognize organizations that have positioned themselves as thought and action leaders in addressing climate change. Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Iberdrola and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District champion their respective sectors in innovation, tangible effectiveness, collaboration, governance, internal and external education efforts, policy shaping, disclosure and thought leadership, and the CLA Judges Committee determined them each to be exemplary of the highest leadership.  Awards finalists CB Richard Ellis, Chicago Department of Environment and The Gold Standard Foundation were also recognized at the Gala.

"As an organization that focuses on leadership and collaboration, ACCO launched this program to ensure appropriate credit and international recognition is given to best in class organizations that are role models in their sectors with respect to climate change response," said Daniel Kreeger, ACCO's Executive Director.  "We believe that it is essential that every sector constructively respond to climate change through policy, education, collaboration and effective strategy. The Climate Leadership Awards served to highlight these exemplary organizations that have stepped up to the challenge and are paving the way to successful response strategies for the broader community.  The 2011 awards program will also be bolstered to recognize individuals deserving of these accolades as well."

ABOUT THE AWARD WINNERS

The CLA Judges Committee provided the following commentary regarding the awards winners:

Bonneville Environmental Foundation – "A thought leading organization that has helped industry partners participate in projects that develop renewable energy sources and restore ecosystems.  Their strategies are long-term, business sensible and innovative, resulting in long lasting environmental impacts and significant benefits for their partners."

Bonneville Environmental Foundation – "BEF has developed deep relationships in the California, Oregon and Washington communities, helping some of the largest companies in the world headquartered in those areas develop climate sensible strategies.  They are clearly a leader in the non-profit community when it comes to collaboration and education."

Iberdrola – "I was impressed by Iberdrola's application because their approach to climate change was so multifaceted -- particularly its focus on technology and people development.  Iberdrola has incorporated climate change response into their business strategy by investing in developing and deploying a number of renewable energy technologies and moving beyond wind and hydro. They are a poster child for the adage, 'You can do well by doing good.' "

Iberdrola – "They clearly understand the importance of internal and external education, and a balanced participation in the regulatory development process, as essential tools for the development of new markets. In gambling terms, Iberdrola has 'gone all in' and their program serves as a best-in-class model for participants in the carbon constrained economy."

Sacramento Municipal Utility District – "Already leaders in energy efficiency, SMUD leaders continue to push for further improvements that will reduce power sales in the future. The company actively participates in a range of partnerships that will be needed to achieve this goal including lighting, cooling, renewable energy transmission, and working with homebuilders to create incentives and reduce upfront costs to increase energy efficiency and the use of solar in new home construction."

Sacramento Municipal Utility District – "SMUD demonstrated continuing leadership in the conversion of a publicly owned utility to focus on energy efficiency, environmental protection, greenhouse gas reduction and overall cost reduction. Their commitment is evident at their Board of Directors down to their field and service employees, and throughout a range of public facing programs, including SMUD's commitment to reduce GHG emissions 90% below 1990 levels by 2050. Their energy and climate change education program has been an important element in bringing their customer base into the discussion, and as with other successful programs, demonstrates that customers will make better decisions when they are provided with the information to do so."

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE OFFICERS

The Association of Climate Change Officers is a 501(c)(6) non-profit membership organization for executives and officials worldwide in industry, government, academia and the non-profit community. ACCO's mission is to advance the knowledge and skills of those dedicated to developing and directing climate change strategies in the public and private sectors, and to establish a flexible and robust forum for collaboration between climate change officers. For more information about ACCO, please visit www.accoonline.org.

SOURCE Association of Climate Change Officers