At The Energy Coalition (TEC), we’ve spent over 50 years proving that the clean energy transition only works if it works for everyone. That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that TEC has been honored with the CARE Award by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) at their latest annual conference. This prestigious national award recognizes organizational leadership in Community, Access, Representation, and Empowerment— four pillars that define how we “walk the talk” at TEC every single day.
What does it mean to lead with CARE?
The CARE principles are core to how we operate at TEC. Here’s a few examples of how we embody them in our work:
- Community & Access: We prioritize equitable access to clean energy for underserved and marginalized groups in all our projects. Through programs like the Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program, we’ve provided over 140 energy-efficient refrigerators to corner stores in Los Angeles food deserts, reducing energy costs while increasing access to healthy food.
- Representation: We ensure that the communities most impacted by climate change—specifically Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)—have a seat at the table. Our leadership evaluates every new opportunity based on its potential to advance social equity.
- Empowerment: Empowerment starts from within. We are proud to be a Top Workplace for five consecutive years, a title earned through anonymous employee feedback that highlights our inclusive and supportive culture.
Where We Go From Here
Winning the CARE award is a milestone, but we’re most excited about how this recognition will help us to showcase the replicable models we’ve built for the industry. Other organizations that are looking to incorporate CARE principles in their work can look to these TEC initiatives for inspiration:
- Workforce Diversification: Through our partnership with the California Climate Action Corps, we have helped over 500 emerging professionals develop climate resilience expertise, creating a direct pipeline into green careers for a diverse new generation.
- The Sustainability Working Group: Established in 2022, this internal, cross-departmental group allows staff at all levels to take ownership of our business practices, from governance to environmental impact.
- Actionable Education: Our Energy is Everything curriculum has pioneered environmental literacy for over 50 years, equipping TK–12 students to become the next generation of changemakers.
Want to learn more about how these (or other) TEC projects are bridging the gap between external community impact and internal organizational integrity? Let’s talk. Together, we can build a future where clean energy is equitable, affordable, and accessible for all.
