Wiltonian Bruce Hampson Receives Statewide Environmental Award

Bruce Hampson, a founding member of the Wilton Energy Commission, received the 2010 Connecticut Climate Change Leadership Award for his innovative efforts to address global climate change. Hampson was one of seven individuals, chosen from 23 nominations received statewide, that were recognized at the fifth annual awards ceremony at Wesleyan University.

"This award is an honor that is shared with the members of the Wilton Energy Commission and with the members of the High School Renovation Building Committee," said Hampson who received the award in part because of his work—overseeing the state of the art energy conserving features at Wilton High School.

Hampson added, "The bottom line is that although we have added 200 tons of classroom air-conditioning and provide four times the fresh air than when the high school was built, we are using less energy and consequently emitting less greenhouse gases than before the renovation."

Hampson was also honored for implementing an EPA Energy Star benchmarking of all municipal and school buildings, which led to a combined electrical use reduction of 12.2% from 2007 through 2009, for a cost savings to the Town of Wilton of approximately $150,000. He was also recognized for his work promoting clean energy, including creative campaigns to increase signups for the CT Clean Energy Options program that earned Wilton a free solar photovoltaic system under the Clean Energy Communities program.

State Representative Peggy Reeves, who represents Norwalk and Wilton in the Connecticut General Assembly, accompanied Hampson to yesterday's ceremony along with members of the Wilton Energy Commission, the Superintendant of Schools, Dr. Gary Richards, and the former Chair of the Wilton Board of Education, Karen Birck.

"I am so proud of what Bruce has accomplished and am honored to be with him here today," said Reeves. "The Town of Wilton has actually reduced its carbon footprint as a direct result of Bruce and the Wilton Energy Commission's work"

The Climate Change Leadership Awards Program is an annual program developed by the Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change to recognize individuals and organizations that have taken exemplary action in the past year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The Governor's Steering Committee, established in 2003, is charged with leading a collaborative effort to develop and implement the Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan and the Connecticut Global Warming Solutions Act.