As people around the country join together for Earth Day to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment, companies are getting recognized for taking action to address climate change.

Just this week, Business Forward member companies PepsiCo and Verizon received an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for their ongoing commitment to energy saving practices. The highest level of recognition, the award is only given to organizations that have earned the “Partner of the Year” award for several years in a row.

  • PepsiCo’s energy saving efforts support strong energy management practices throughout the food and beverage industry and demonstrate that energy efficiency is a smart business decision. During 2014, PepsiCo contributed to more than $8 million in U.S. productivity gains by improving energy efficiency within its company, among other significant accomplishments. PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading food and beverage producers, has earned “Partner of the Year” for the past decade. PepsiCo brands include Pepsi-Cola, Frito Lay, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Quaker Foods, and Tropicana, among others.
  • Verizon is committed to cutting its companywide carbon intensity in half by 2020, and promoting energy efficiency awareness throughout its company. By the end of 2014, 193 of Verizon’s facilities earned ENERGY STAR certification by meeting the U.S. EPA’s standards for energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Verizon, a broadband and telecommunications company, has earned the Sustained Excellence award for the past three years.

PSEG Long Island, a subsidiary of the Business Forward member company PSEG, is also receiving an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for integrating energy saving practices in its Energy Efficient Products and Home Performance, in partnership with ENERGY STAR programs on Long Island. PSEG Long Island is an electric and gas company serving the Long Island area.

Like the other 77 companies that received the distinction this year, PepsiCo, Verizon, and PSEG Long Island are leaders in corporate responsibility by addressing their contribution to climate change. These are actions that these companies no doubt see as good for their longevity, but also their bottom line.

Congratulations PepsiCo, Verizon, and PSEG Long Island!