Energy Trust of Oregon is excited to share that its own Kathleen Belkhayat has received the 2026 Champions of Energy Efficiency in Buildings Award from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The award honors leaders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors for their accomplishments advancing energy efficiency in the buildings sector.

Belkhayat is a Senior Program Manager at Energy Trust, where she leads its commercial energy performance management work. Belkhayat was recognized by ACEEE for designing and implementing Energy Trust’s commercial Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program. SEM educates businesses and organizations on how to make lasting operational changes that save energy and lower utility bills. Through hands-on coaching and technical support, participants learn simple changes can improve the comfort, safety and operational performance of their buildings.

With more than 18 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry, Belkhayat has helped advance commercial SEM across the Pacific Northwest. She has managed Energy Trust’s commercial SEM program since its launch in 2011, served as chair of the Northwest SEM Collaborative and as inaugural chair of the National SEM Collaborative NW Chapter.

Belkhayat and six other winners received their awards at ACEEE’s 2026 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings in Pacific Grove, California on Aug. 4. The ACEEE Board of Directors selected the winners, who were nominated by peers for their impact, innovation and leadership.

“This year’s winners are doing standout work driving progress in homes and buildings,” said Mitchell Simpson, chair of the awards committee, in a press release. “Across technology, policies and programs, they are accelerating efficiency improvements that make a real impact on people’s lives.”

Energy Trust congratulates all of the winners on this accomplishment!