Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 23/01) - A new award has been created to recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that conserve energy.

Arctic Energy Alliance representative Craig Yeo holds up an Energy Action Awards poster. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

The Arctic Energy Alliance will present awards this November for the most economical and efficient use of energy, for using renewable energy sources, and for innovations that show others how to reduce their energy consumption.

The alliance wants to spread the word that people can make a difference, even in small ways.

"A lot of people feel powerless," said alliance representative Craig Yeo.

"But there are a lot of little things we can do that have a big cumulative effect."

Yeo hopes people will be inspired by the award-winners. "I think others want to get on the bandwagon," he said. "But they need to know what people are doing."

The Energy Action Awards will also help inform the alliance.

"The communities around the North are so isolated and sporadic," Yeo said. "Maybe there are a thousand things out there we don't know about."

Gary Craig, director of public works and engineering for the city of Yellowknife said the awards are a great idea. But he pointed out that while the city has reduced its water consumption by 30 per cent since the early 90's, it wasn't for altruistic reasons.

"We didn't necessarily do it because it was good for the environment," he said. "It made good sense economically."

The deadline for nominations is October 15. Winners will receive an engraved statuette and $1,000 will be donated to their school of choice.