Yellowknife (Dec 12/03) - Being energy smart is the reason three organizations in the NWT have been recognized.

Arctic Energy Alliance presented the 2003 Energy Action Awards to Polar Developments Ltd.,Sir John Franklin high school, Ecology North and the Wha Ti Sustainability Project.

Rob Marshall, executive director of Arctic Energy Alliance, said this is the third year for the awards.

Polar Developments was recognized in the energy efficiency category for parking stalls in its Anderson-Thompson Tower that reduce electricity consumption by $15,000 a year.

Ecology North and the Wha Ti Sustainability Project were the recipients of the energy awareness award, presented to them by MLA Henry Zoe.

Together, the groups have developed an integrated program that focuses on energy management and renewable technologies.

Bob Bromley, project director, said he is proud of the work they have accomplished so far, but more needs to be done.

"It has been fantastic to work with so many people, especially the community of Wha Ti," he said. "But I don't think voluntary efforts will do it. We need to demand action of our politicians."

Sir John Franklin high school's solar initiative won in the renewable energy category.

Wade Carpenter, a science teacher at the school, said he is proud of the students for the hard work they have put in to make the project such a success.

The 2002 Biology class got the ball rolling, and decided one way to reduce the impact of climate change is to reduce the use of fossil fuel.

Carpenter said that there are now 16 solar panels on the roof of the school which reduce electricity bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

"Not only does this project save energy costs, it will create learning for our children and for future generations," he said.