Oneota Community Co-op wins Energy Star certification

Oneota Community Food Co-op has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Energy Star" certification, which signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

General Manager David Lester noted that the Co-op is only one of three commercial buildings in Winneshiek County to receive this certification.  "We hope to be a model business in the community and help other businesses earn this certification as well," said Lester.

Oneota Community Food Co-op improved its energy performance by investing in a heat-recovery tunnel system designed to capture heat produced by the refrigeration and freezer compressors; investing in a high-efficient HVAC system and web-based controls; and by implementing day-to-day operational changes.

Winneshiek Energy District assisted the co-op by conducting a Commercial Energy Audit, then creating an Energy Star Profile Portfolio to track energy usage and input building data.

More information about ENERGY STAR Certification for Commercial Buildings is available at www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings