Its efforts have saved more than 4.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity [image-nocss] and 1,600 therms of natural gas, enough energy to power 415 homes for a year. From these efforts, Kwik Trip will save $297,409 in annual energy costs.
These projects include energy management systems which deliver better control and load management of heating and air conditioning equipment throughout the stores; refrigeration heat-recovery systems which extract "waste" heat from the water used to cool the refrigerator's compressors and use it for other purposes; indoor and outdoor lighting upgrades; and preventive maintenance which improves equipment operating efficiency.
Serving as emcee for the event was Steve Wrobel, La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip's head of corporate communications and leadership development.
In attendance were Don Zietlow, CEO of Kwik Trip; Steve Loehr, vice president of operations for Kwik Trip; Todd Bornholdt, Kwik Trip communications; Eric Peterson, Kwik Trip's director of store engineering; Meyer; Dan Hanson, Focus on Energy energy advisor; Bradford Fry, senior civil engineer; Leah Berlin, landscape architect/Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) coordinator; Jenny Ballweg, Focus on Energy marketing; State Senator Dan Kapanke (R); State Representative Jennifer Shilling (D); La Crosse Mayor Mathias Harter; and others. [Pictured (l to r): Dan Hanson, Todd Bornholdt, Steve Loehr, Mark Meyer.]
"While talk of the economy, energy prices and increased operational costs permeate the media, Kwik Trip is taking every step to remain competitive and to protect their bottom line. Not only are they doing what's right for their business, they are doing what's right for the state and our environment," said Meyer. "Kwik Trip is a shining example of a Wisconsin-based company that is committed to energy efficiency and the environment. They have looked at every opportunity to identify energy saving projects and we hope that other businesses around the state will follow their lead."
Commercial businesses, including convenience stores, have numerous opportunities to save money through energy efficiency. Focus on Energy offers a range of services to owners and managers of Wisconsin businesses, including support in developing an energy management plan, research into new technologies and locating contractors and incentives to help buy down the equipment costs.
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas.
(Click hereto viewa Focus on Energy case study of Kwik Trip.)
Kwik Trip, Inc. operates 223 stores in Wisconsin as well as stores in Minnesota and Iowa. It also operates a corporate support center, which handles the administrative needs of the stores, its own bakery, commissary, dairy, distribution warehouse and vehicle maintenance divisions.
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