Eastern Official Honored by Federal EPA

Written by Allison Kelly

Photo Caption: Leahy poses for a picture with Ira Leighton, Region I acting regional administrator, left, and Stephen Perkins, Region I acting deputy regional administrator.

Willimantic, Conn. - Bill Leahy, chief operating officer for the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for his work in bringing energy efficiency to schools across the state. Leahy was honored by the EPA with an Environmental Merit Award on April 22, Earth Day, in Boston's Faneuil Hall.

The award recognizes significant contributions to environmental awareness and problem solving. Given out by the EPA since 1970, the merit award honors individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment.

The Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) was established in 2001 to identify, develop, and implement sustainable energy programs. In addition to managing ISE's daily operations, Leahy and his staff created a one-week course to train school building management staff as well as develop a curriculum for high school students.  Through his efforts, more than 60 school systems and 200 schools have been trained to work on energy efficiency.