Louisville’s efforts at reducing energy consumption have been recognized by the federal Energy Star program. The city has been named one of about thirty Energy Star Partners of the Year for 2010.

Energy Star officials say part of the reason Louisville was chosen was the Kilowatt Crackdown competition, which is run by the Louisville Energy Alliance. Spokesperson Chris Cieminksi says 240 buildings participated in the competition, and they hope to have even more in the next round.
“Jefferson County Public Schools was a very active participant in the first leg of the contest,” said Cieminksi. “I think the second round, we hope to reach out to some private schools within the community. Also, the hospitality industry is a big industry we can tap as we go forward.”

The winner of the first two-year competition will be announced later this month.