SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecology Action, a leading provider of innovative marketing and engagement programs that overcome barriers to reducing energy use and achieving environmental sustainability, announced it will receive today California's prestigious Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Award at a ceremony in Sacramento. Ecology Action is the first two-time winner of the GEELA award.

Ecology Action earned the award for its work delivering energy efficiency services in California that resulted in the equivalent of removing 15,792 cars from the road or planting 17,172 acres of trees. Ecology Action's kWh savings are enough to power 46,966 single-family homes each year and its programs save enough water to fill 8,420 swimming pools.

From 2002 through 2011, resource savings achieved by Ecology Action's cumulative energy efficiency program measures include:

• 304,341,357 kWh of electricity
• 1,344,792 Therms of natural gas
• 210,493,266 gallons of water each year

Ecology Action earned the award for "Enhanced Environmental and Economic Leadership," a category specifically for prior GEELA award recipients who "have sustained exceptional leadership and can demonstrate significant and robust improvements in voluntary efforts previously recognized, which conserve California's precious resources, protect and enhance our environment and/or strengthen the economy." Ecology Action previously earned a GEELA award in 2003 in the "Environmental-Economic Partnerships" category.

"I'm proud to offer my congratulations to Ecology Action for earning this exceptional recognition," said Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay). "Through its innovative energy efficiency partnerships, Ecology Action is helping Californians lead the nation to combat climate change, conserve precious natural resources and promote a green economy."

"We're thrilled to receive this honor for the second time," said Jim Murphy, executive director/CEO of Ecology Action. "It's gratifying to have years of hard work, innovation and partnerships recognized by Governor Brown. Most of all, we continue to be excited by the transformation taking place across California as businesses and individuals realize growing benefits—both economically and environmentally—from energy efficiency gains."

About the Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Awards
The Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award Program is California's highest environmental honor. The program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California's precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the State's economy. For more information, visit http://www.calepa.ca.gov/awards/geela/.

About Ecology Action
Ecology Action, a California-based non-profit founded in 1970, is passionately driven to empower individuals, businesses and communities to take actions today that achieve environmental and economic sustainability. Ecology Action delivers marketing and engagement services statewide to serve consumers, businesses, public utilities, government agencies and community partners through numerous programs, some of which include Energy Upgrade California, RightLights, LodgingSavers, CasinoGreen, Earth Day Santa Cruz and Bike-to-Work.

Ecology Action Online
http://www.ecoact.org/
http://www.facebook.com/ecologyaction

SOURCE Ecology Action