The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has received national recognition for its efforts to promote energy efficiency.

Hawaii was one of four states to receive top honors today from the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy in the inaugural awards. The other states were Colorado, Maryland and New York.

The ACEEE cited DBEDT’s “Lead by Example” program, an initiative launched in 2006 in response to legislative and executive mandates to change the way state executive agencies use energy.

Among the accomplishments of the program are the awarding of Energy Star designation to several state buildings and the completion of energy audits and retrofitting of a number of others. In additition, the state also constructed its first facility to meet requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — the Waipahu Intermediate School Cafeteria — under the auspices of the program.