Ameresco's Kūpono Project Named Winner in 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards

Key Terms

public-private partnership financial

A public-private partnership is a collaborative arrangement where government entities and private companies work together to fund, build, and operate projects or services that benefit the public, such as roads, schools, or hospitals. For investors, these partnerships can create opportunities to invest in infrastructure and services that have long-term stability and potential for steady returns, as they combine public support with private sector efficiency.

lithium-ion battery energy storage system technical

A lithium-ion battery energy storage system is a setup that stores electricity in rechargeable lithium-ion cells and delivers that power when needed, like a large-scale portable charger for homes, businesses or the power grid. It matters to investors because these systems can create new income streams (selling power, grid services), reduce operational risk from outages, and carry capital, regulatory and safety costs that affect a company’s profitability and long-term value.

grid resilience technical

Grid resilience is the ability of an electricity network to withstand, quickly recover from, and adapt to disruptions such as storms, equipment failures, cyberattacks or sudden shifts in supply and demand. For investors it matters because stronger resilience reduces outage risk, protects revenue streams and asset value, and often requires capital spending or regulatory changes—similar to a road system that keeps traffic moving after accidents, where durability and upgrades affect long‑term cost and reliability.

CO₂ technical

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) is a colorless gas produced by burning fuels, industrial processes and biological respiration; it acts like a blanket that traps heat in the atmosphere. Investors care because levels of CO₂ drive climate-related rules, taxes and consumer expectations that can raise costs, change demand and alter the value of assets—similar to how a rising thermostat can force someone to change their heating and insulation choices.

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Public-private partnership with the U.S. Navy and Hawaiian Electric delivers renewable energy, grid resilience, and community benefits on Oʻahu

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that its Kūpono 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.

Ameresco's Kūpono 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 Oʻahu, the Kūpono 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), Kūpono 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% renewable 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 Kūpono 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 Kūpono 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.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes implementing smart energy efficiency solutions, upgrading aging infrastructure, and developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco shows the way by reducing energy use and delivering energy infrastructure solutions to Federal, state and local governments, utilities, data centers, educational and healthcare institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About the Environment + Energy Leader Awards
Now in its 14th year, the Environment+Energy Leader Awards program recognizes excellence across products, projects, startups and organizational initiatives that deliver meaningful advancements in environmental programs, sustainability, and energy management. Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts, with a focus on innovation, scalability, and measurable impact. Winners are recognized as leaders in advancing best practices and setting new standards across the global energy and environmental landscape.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518292328/en/

Media Contact:
Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com

Source: Ameresco, Inc.