American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) has partnered with the Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) on a project to reduce energy use and increase cost savings by 20 percent. The LED Lighting Program facilitated by CEE allows the Glenwood, Minnesota, distributor’s headquarters to invest in new infrastructure that’s both eco-friendly and financially sustainable. The program is anticipated to pay for itself within two to three years.

“Being environmentally aware of what and how we run our business at American is an important initiative we continue to pursue. Reducing our energy usage has resulted in lower utility costs and reduction of labor and lamp costs—a huge win for both the environment and our company,” says Katie Hallstrom, ASB’s vice president of human resources.

The updates at the company are through the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), which is a statewide policy to incentivize implementing energy efficiency. These programs are offered by electric and natural gas utilities and by partners like CEE.

“By promoting cost-effective energy efficiency measures, businesses and residents save energy, carbon is reduced and all utility customers save money by avoiding building unnecessary and expensive power plants and transmission lines,” says Jamie Fitzke, manager of program and policy at CEE.