USA: NECEC Hosts Fifth Annual ‘Green Tie Gala’

The New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC) hosted its Fifth Annual “Green Tie Gala,” celebrating the growth and successes of the clean energy industry.

Companies and individuals from across New England were honored with awards, acknowledging their leadership and contributions to the region’s leading clean energy economy.

Held at the Intercontinental Boston Hotel, the Gala attracted over 400 leaders and stakeholders in the clean energy industry, including company CEOs, government officials, service providers, academics, venture investment firms, labor and large commercial end-users and area utilities.

“This, our 5th Gala, is a milestone for our growing organization and rapidly expanding industry.” said Peter Rothstein, NECEC President, “Action in the clean energy industry continues in the states, regions and clusters, and nowhere is that more true than here in New England. The award winners exemplify innovative companies leading research, development, adoption and deployment of clean energy technologies in our region.”

The Council honored the following as 2012 Green Tie Gala Award Winners:

Emerging Company of the Year: Joule Unlimited and Ocean Renewable Power Company

Joule Unlimited, based in Bedford, MA, has developed their biological and chemical process technology to produce liquid fuels from just sunlight and industrial waste carbon dioxide. Joule was named Emerging Company of the Year after reaching many milestones. The company has moved from lab-stage to pilot stage, and has commissioned its first demonstration plant, located in New Mexico. They have raised over $110 million to date to pursue this opportunity, and have formed a partnership with car manufacturer Audi.

Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) this year delivered power to the grid from their Cobscook Bay Tidal Energy project generates enough power annually to power 25 to 30 homes, and is the first power from any ocean energy project (including offshore wind, wave, and tidal) to be delivered to an electric utility grid in the U.S. The project also has the distinction of being the only ocean energy project not using a dam that delivers power to a utility grid anywhere in the Americas, thus giving the project global significance. Based in Maine, ORPC has employed a total of 93 vendors, contractors, and consultants on the project, with 80% of those based in New England.

Breakout Company of the Year: Harvest Power

Harvest Power, a company focused on the production of renewable energy and high-value soil, mulch and organic fertilizer products from organic materials, was named Breakout Company of the year as both an industry leader and a market-maker. The 2010 winner of NECEC’s “Emerging Company of the Year” award, Harvest has grown to manage more than 2 million tons of organic material through 28 operating sites in North America. Harvest Power has raised $125 million in Series C financing this year, and has garnered multiple industry awards and recognitions as they have grown.

 Employer of the Year: EnerNOC

EnerNOC, a leading provider of energy management applications for the smart grid, was named Employer of the Year for its substantial and continual growth. By Q3 of this year alone, EnerNOC grew its workforce from 595 full-time employees to 660. Additionally, the company currently has approximately 100 open positions, across virtually all departments. To accommodate the growth in workforce, EnerNOC is planning to move its corporate headquarters from Boston’s Financial District to a larger facility in the Fan Pier area during the 2nd quarter of 2013.

 Corporate Citizen of the Year: Timberland

The Timberland Company, headquartered in Stratham, New Hampshire, was honored as a model of corporate responsibility and sustainability, incorporating clean energy across their business and brands. Timberland has gone above and beyond in adopting clean energy technology and energy efficiency measures to reduce its carbon footprint. From 2006 to 2012, they achieved a 38% absolute emissions reduction for their owned and operated facilities and employee air travel.

 Clean Energy Leadership Award: Hemant Taneja

Hemant Taneja, Managing Director of General Catalyst Partners, received theClean Energy Leadership Award for his leadership, impact and pivotal role in the clean energy industry in New England and nationally. Hemant played an instrumental role as co-founder, Board and Executive Committee Member of NECEC, and is demonstrating his continued leadership and commitment to growing the clean energy industry as co-founder of Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), representing the advanced energy industry state, regional and national level.

 Clean Energy Hall of Fame Inductee: Susan Tierney

Susan Tierney, Managing Principal at Analysis Group, was honored for her continuing vision, perseverance and accomplishment as a leader shaping the ground rules for the clean energy industry over the last 30 years. Tierney was formerly Secretary of Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts, and Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U. S. Department of Energy in the Clinton Administration.

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Press release, October 18, 2012; Image: Ocean Renewable Power