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Ameresco's Kupono Project Named Winner in 2026 Environment+Energy Leader AwardsAmeresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that its Kupono Project in Hawai'i has been named a winner in the 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards. The annual program recognizes companies delivering measurable progress in energy management, environmental performance, and sustainability. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518292328/en/
Ameresco's Kupono Project Named Winner in 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards Award-Winning Solar and Storage Innovation in Hawai'i Honored in the Environmental Impact category for reducing emissions, strengthening grid resilience, and expanding access to reliable renewable energy for underserved communities on O?ahu, the Kupono Project was one of this year's standout entries across categories spanning product innovation, project implementation, startup advancement, and organizational leadership. The project pairs a 42 MW solar array with a 42 MW/168 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering reliable power for approximately 10,000 homes. Structured as a 20-year public-private partnership with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric (HECO), Kupono reduces more than 50,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to taking 12,000 cars off the road each year, and supports Hawaii's statutory goal of 100% enewable energy generation and carbon neutrality by 2045. Beyond environmental performance, the project also demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure investment can deliver meaningful community benefits. Built with local labor and materials, the project supports Hawai'i's growing renewable energy workforce and funds philanthropic investments in STEM education, youth sports, and community organizations across the island. Thoughtful land stewardship, including the safe relocation of 500,000 bees and ongoing vegetation management by a herd of 200 sheep, ensured minimal disruption to the surrounding environment throughout construction and ongoing operations. A Testament to Excellence Recognition from Environment+Energy Leader highlights the Kupono Project as a standout example of innovation and performance in today's evolving energy and sustainability landscape. Judges highlighted the project's strong public-private partnership structure, innovative land stewardship, and its "excellent alignment with state and federal decarbonization targets." "As organizations navigate an increasingly dynamic and uncertain operating environment, the ability to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver measurable results has never been more critical," said Sarah Roberts, Co-President and Publisher of Environment+Energy Leader. "This year's winners demonstrate the innovation and leadership required to move forward with clarity and impact." For Ameresco, the recognition reflects the power of collaboration and a long-standing commitment to building resilient energy infrastructure. "The Kupono Project reflects exactly what is possible when public, private, and community stakeholders come together around a shared purpose," said Nicole Bulgarino, Co-President of Ameresco. "This recognition reflects the strong collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric, the local teams who built this project, and the communities in Hawai'i who will benefit from reliable renewable energy for decades to come."
About Ameresco, Inc.
About the Environment + Energy Leader Awards
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518292328/en/ |

