Celebrating Excellence: The 2025 International Award Runners Up

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) proudly recognizes the exceptional projects, individuals, and organizations nominated for the International Awards. To recognize outstanding achievements in energy management, efficiency, sustainability, and related fields, we’re highlighting this year’s International Awards Runners-Up.

Since its inception, the AEE Awards Program has served as a beacon, illuminating the innovative efforts and transformative initiatives that shape the energy landscape globally. By honoring those who embody excellence in their respective fields, we not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also propel the entire industry forward.

The International Award Runners Up broadens the scope of recognition within the AEE Awards Program and reinforces our mission to promote best practices and elevate industry standards worldwide. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals and organizations, we invite the global community to join us in applauding their exemplary contributions to the field of energy and sustainability.

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Young Energy Professional Runner Up

Ban Bani Ata

As a dedicated Electrical Engineer at Dar, Ban has quickly made her mark in the energy and electrical engineering sector. With two years of professional experience—one of which overlapped with her undergraduate studies—she has contributed to high-profile projects across the Middle East and Africa. Her work adheres to regional regulations such as NEOM, SBC, SEC, DEWA, and OES, as well as international standards. Ban’s strong commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is evident in her involvement with photovoltaic plants totaling 1 GWp in capacity. What sets her apart is not only her technical expertise but also her drive to create meaningful change in the energy industry, supported by her published work with IEEE and ASME.

Young Energy Professional Runner Up

Erato Vasileiou

Erato Vasileiou, ESG Client Lead at JLL London, is a trailblazer in sustainable real estate. As Global Chair of CIBSE YEN, she has inspired the next generation of engineers around the world, promoting knowledge exchange through international conferences and technical tours. Her contributions to LETI’s Non-Domestic Retrofit Guide and ASHRAE’s EmpowHERment Awards reflect her deep commitment to low-energy design and advancing diversity in engineering. With a strong academic background and multiple professional certifications, Erato consistently delivers innovative and impactful energy management strategies. Her forward-thinking mindset, global engagement, and dedication to mentoring young professionals across borders make her an exceptional and well-deserving runner-up.

Energy Engineer of the Year Runner Up

بريم براكاش ميتال

Dr. Prem Prakash Mittal is a Founding Life Member of the AEE Delhi Chapter and remains actively engaged in all chapter activities. With over 51 years of experience in the energy sector, he has been a consistent and passionate advocate for energy efficiency, significantly contributing to both its implementation and broader promotion. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Mittal has successfully completed an impressive 1,850 energy conservation assignments—an outstanding accomplishment by any standard. His projects span a diverse range of energy-intensive sectors, including railways, thermal power plants, textiles, iron and steel, and fertilizers. He has also collaborated with leading organizations such as the UNDP, World Bank, government agencies, public sector banks, universities, colleges, and hospitals. Dr. Mittal’s lifelong dedication to advancing energy efficiency and his remarkable achievements make him a truly well-deserved runner-up for this award.

Energy Engineer of the Year Runner Up

Gregg Fischer

Gregg Fischer, PE, CEM, CEA, is the founder and CEO of Fischer Energy Partners, where he has led over $500 million in energy projects and secured $75 million in utility incentives. He is recognized for delivering high-impact energy solutions in fully occupied buildings with minimal disruption to tenants. One of his most notable achievements is the decarbonization project at New Water Street Corporation, which resulted in $1.5 million in annual savings, a 40,000-tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions, and the successful integration of advanced energy technologies. Gregg’s customer-first approach drives innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. His ability to implement complex energy projects without interrupting day-to-day building operations sets him apart.

Energy Innovator of the Year Runner Up

ستيفن روزا

Dr. Stephen Roosa exemplifies exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership in advancing energy engineering and management on a global scale. His contributions have significantly elevated the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and made a lasting impact on both energy professionals and the broader community. Dr. Roosa has played a pivotal role in upholding the integrity and quality of AEE publications, setting a gold standard for technical and academic excellence through his meticulous review and validation of content. His deep understanding of energy systems and sharp analytical skills ensure that published materials are both accurate and impactful, advancing global knowledge in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Roosa is a passionate mentor and advocate for the next generation of energy professionals. I have personally benefited from his extraordinary guidance as he reviewed and approved my research papers for publication in AEE’s esteemed magazine—his thoughtful feedback and encouragement foster a culture of inclusivity, confidence, and innovation within the industry. Dr. Roosa’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and mentorship makes him a truly outstanding runner-up for the Energy Innovator of the Year Award.

Energy Innovator of the Year Runner Up

Monther Fadel

Monther Fadel is a pioneering force in the renewable energy sector, driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, and practical problem-solving. With over a decade of experience in electrical engineering and solar energy, he has consistently addressed critical challenges in the industry, particularly across Jordan and the MENA region. As Business Development Manager at DARB, Monther led the development of an advanced robotic solar panel cleaning solution, securing $500,000 in international funding and increasing system efficiency by 18%, while significantly reducing maintenance costs. At IMG, he successfully managed the installation of 400 kWp photovoltaic systems in Kuwait and launched a PV-diesel hybrid division to improve energy reliability in remote areas. A certified PMP, FIDIC, and PV design specialist, he has also trained over 50 engineers and technicians, helping accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies across the Middle East. Monther’s leadership, technical acumen, and groundbreaking contributions have greatly enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy systems.

Energy Manager of the Year Runner Up

Dan Mastin

Dan Mastin has taken on the challenge of driving energy efficiency within a complex, mission-critical environment—and has made significant progress. As Energy Program Manager, he has strategically embedded energy-saving measures into infrastructure projects, often uncovering opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. Guided by the philosophy that “all projects are energy projects,” Dan ensures his team is involved in project meetings to identify improvements that reduce life-cycle energy costs. Under his leadership, NYP is evolving its design standards to include energy and carbon emission considerations. For example, they now require pressure-independent control valves on all new terminal units for low-temperature hot water systems—positioning the hospital to take advantage of future efficiency gains. At NYP, value engineering is not seen as a reductive process, but rather as a forward-thinking approach that aligns long-term design value with organizational sustainability goals.

Energy Manager of the Year Runner Up

André Nortjé

André Nortjé, CEM, is Netcare’s National Environmental Sustainability Manager and has been the driving force behind the organization’s remarkable sustainability achievements. Including a 39% reduction in energy intensity per bed, R1.5 billion in cumulative cost savings, and the deployment of 14 MWp of solar PV across 72 facilities. Under his visionary leadership, Netcare has earned 47 sustainability awards and set bold targets, including zero Scope 2 emissions by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. His impact extends beyond national borders, actively collaborating with over 68,000 hospitals worldwide to advance energy efficiency in healthcare. As a Certified Energy Manager, André exemplifies what it means to align operational excellence with environmental responsibility. His leadership, measurable outcomes, and global influence make him outstanding in the field of energy management.

Energy Manager of the Year Runner Up

Brandon Money

Brandon Money, CEM, exemplifies outstanding leadership in energy management. At AFL, he spearheaded an initiative that leveraged software to optimize energy efficiency, uncovering nearly $300,000 in savings while significantly reducing carbon emissions. His data-driven approach has streamlined sustainability efforts across global operations, reinforcing AFL’s commitment to responsible energy use. As a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP), Brandon blends technical expertise with strategic vision to deliver measurable, impactful results. His dedication to innovation, cost savings, and environmental stewardship sets a high standard in the industry.

Energy Professional Development Runner Up

Wei Guo

Dr. Wei Guo has played a pivotal role in transforming the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Plants program through innovative training and strategic leadership. He co-created the Energy Warriors virtual training series and launched the Better Plants Virtual In-Plant Trainings, reaching over 2,500 participants and identifying $15 million in savings. His Energy and Decarbonization Bootcamps have trained 500+ professionals, while in-person sessions have saved $4 million across seven partners. As lead of DOE’s ISEED program, Dr. Guo is advancing workforce initiatives with $3.5 million in funding to enhance U.S. manufacturing. He also contributes to national policy through advisory roles and research, including a published DOE analysis and a current study on supply chain workforce readiness. Dr. Guo’s work has empowered thousands, saved millions, and strengthened U.S. industrial sustainability.

Corporate Energy Management Runner Up

Adtran

Adtran, a global networking and communications leader based in Huntsville, Alabama, is advancing sustainability through its Strategic Energy Management (SEM) initiative. Partnering with Huntsville Utilities and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Adtran’s no-cost implementation of the two-year SEM program achieved over 3 million kWh in savings, $283,413 in cost reductions, and a cultural transformation. Highlights include $20,000 in TVA rebates, DOE 50001 Ready recognition, and a $95,000 donation to Buckhorn High School for energy and air quality projects. Featured at AEE World and in TVA webinars, Adtran exemplifies leadership in energy efficiency, community impact, and workforce development.

Corporate Energy Management Runner Up

HKITP Collaborated with CLP Marking the Most Sustainable Theme Park – Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITP), operator of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort—the city’s most visited theme park—and CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), the largest power utility in Hong Kong, are both committed to achieving net zero emissions and advancing sustainability and energy efficiency. Their collaboration focuses on accelerating electrification, adopting renewable energy, and implementing new technologies to enhance energy efficiency. These initiatives are projected to reduce energy consumption by over 20 GWh annually, equivalent to more than 9,540 tons of CO₂ emissions. Notably, HKITP has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from electricity by 44% compared to 2019, setting a strong example for the industry in its sustainability efforts.

Institutional Energy Management Runner Up

SEM Solutions

SEM Solutions proudly delivered a 990 kWp solar PV system for the City of Cape Town’s Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant. Their scope included a full turnkey solution encompassing engineering, procurement, construction, as well as operation and maintenance of the plant. Construction on the R14.6 million Kraaifontein project began at the end of 2023 and was completed by May this year. The plant is expected to generate an annual energy yield of 1.5 GWh, resulting in electricity savings of approximately R2.4 million for the city. SEM Solutions’ expertise in providing sound advice and effective design solutions sets them apart in the market. This project stands as a flagship achievement for the City of Cape Town.

Institutional Energy Management Runner Up

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, The Government of the HKSAR, Hospital Authority, Statutory body of the HKSAR, Trane Hong Kong

Tuen Mun Hospital, a 2,000-bed acute care facility, undertook a major chiller plant modernization to address aging infrastructure and poor energy performance. The project introduced high-efficiency Variable Speed Drive (VSD) water-cooled chillers using ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) HFO refrigerants, ensuring reliable 24/7 cooling for hospital operations. Recognized with multiple ASHRAE Technology Awards in 2024/25, the project exemplifies innovation, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. A successful Public-Private Partnership, it sets a benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure and offers a replicable model for hospitals seeking to improve operational performance and reduce environmental impact.

Energy Project of the Year U.S. Runner Up

California East End State Office Complex ESPC

The California East End State Office Complex ESPC project enhanced a critical data center cooling system, achieving remarkable energy efficiency and cost savings. By strategically installing two 165-ton chillers to manage both the 24/7 data center load and low-load conditions, the two existing central plant chillers (1,275 tons each) can now be offline for over 5,000 hours per year. This innovative solution ensures full data center resiliency while delivering significant energy and operational savings. The project also incorporated open-source controls and advanced analytics, reducing maintenance requirements and increasing operational insight. With over $950,000 in annual savings and a reduction of more than 5,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, this project exemplifies how collaborative efforts, and smart engineering can achieve exceptional results and support California’s environmental goals.

Energy Project of the Year U.S. Runner Up

City of Centennial ESPC

The City of Centennial’s ESPC project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to municipal energy conservation, surpassing the City’s sustainability and cost reduction goals. By strategically targeting all major energy-consuming systems, the project achieved impressive results: an estimated 708,381 kWh of annual electricity generation and savings, along with 5,173 therms of annual natural gas savings. This corresponds to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating 155 metric tons of CO₂ per year. Additionally, the project delivered a remarkable 64% reduction in total grid energy use across the facilities. Beyond substantially lowering utility costs, this initiative powerfully demonstrates the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management, setting a strong example for residents and other municipalities.

Energy Project of the Year International Runner Up

Boilers Burners Conversion from Heavy Fuel Oil to Natural Gas

Jorge Aguilar Onate played an instrumental role in the successful conversion of boiler fuel from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to natural gas—a project that delivered outstanding technical, economic, and environmental results. As the manufacturing representative and operations lead, Jorge was deeply involved in every phase of the project, from conceptual design through front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed engineering. His leadership extended through construction, commissioning, startup, and final boiler testing and tuning, ensuring seamless integration and performance optimization. The fuel conversion project yielded significant outcomes, including estimated annual cost savings of $19 million and energy savings of 1.8 million GJ. It also resulted in a 26% reduction in CO₂ emissions from the boilers, supporting national sustainability objectives. Jorge’s extensive background as a process engineer, operations representative, and certified energy manager was critical to the project’s success. His deep technical knowledge, coupled with hands-on leadership over the project’s three-year duration, drove both energy efficiency and operational excellence. His contributions to energy savings and environmental impact make him highly deserving.

Energy Project of the Year International Runner Up

City Centre District Utility (CCDEU)

The City Centre District Energy Utility (CCDEU) is a long-term infrastructure project set to deliver low-carbon energy to over 50 million square feet of residential and commercial space in Richmond. Led by Lulu Island Energy Company, Corix Utilities, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the project involves phased development of Low-Carbon Energy Plants, Interim Energy Centres, and a future Permanent Energy Centre utilizing sewer heat recovery. By 2050, the CCDEU is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over one million tons, supporting Richmond’s net-zero goals. This initiative exemplifies a scalable approach to district energy and long-term emissions reduction.

Innovative Energy Project Runner Up

Development of AI Empowered Energy Management Platform

Reipower Inc. has redefined the landscape of building energy management with a groundbreaking Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) platform that tackles one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: effective visualization and decision-making in data-limited environments. While conventional FDD platforms perform well in buildings with robust sensor networks and Building Automation Systems (BAS), they often fail in facilities with minimal sensor infrastructure. Reipower’s solution breaks through this barrier by leveraging advanced data science and artificial intelligence to deliver meaningful insights, even in low-data settings. By eliminating the need for specialized programming and enabling fault rule creation in simple English, the platform enhances accessibility and usability across a wide range of users. Its ability to address both technical and economic barriers has made it a transformative force in the industry—setting a new benchmark for intelligent, inclusive, and scalable energy management solutions. The Innovative Project was implemented at Yonge Sheppard Center, Riocan, with funding provided by Scale AI. Yonge Sheppard Center contributed by offering access to information and engaging in discussions that provided valuable insights into the project. The recommendations were implemented, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation.

Innovative Energy Project Runner Up

California Napa State Hospital ESPC

The California Napa State Hospital ESPC project transformed the hospital’s outdated steam system, significantly enhancing patient care and comfort while achieving substantial cost savings. By modernizing the central plant, replacing aging equipment, and installing efficient cooling in patient housing, the project greatly improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality. In its first year, Napa is projected to save over $1.5 million in energy and water costs, with $1.4 million guaranteed. These vital infrastructure upgrades—including lighting and water fixtures—create a healthier, more comfortable, and cost-effective environment for both patients and staff.

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