US-based lattice boom cranes manufacturer Link-Belt Cranes will receive the 2026 SAAZ Energy Performance Excellence Award from Big Shine Energy, acknowledging its work in energy efficiency and overall operational performance.
The company installed a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its Lexington, Kentucky headquarters, generating up to 915,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually.
This installation comprises 1,302 panels across 35,000ft² and is expected to save over $1.5m in total energy costs throughout its lifecycle.
Big Shine Energy, based in Newburgh, New York, grants its Sustainability Awards Approaching Zero (SAAZ) Energy Performance Excellence Award each year to organisations that demonstrate tangible results in energy management and emissions reduction.
Link-Belt’s solar project offsets a significant portion of its electricity consumption and supports its stated sustainability objectives.
The company will officially accept the award at the SAAZ 2026 Strategic Energy Forum, which is scheduled for 28 May 2026 in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Link-Belt Cranes Manufacturing vice-president Richard Shultz said: “With an Environmental Management System certified by ISO 14001, Link-Belt Cranes continuously works toward its foundational objectives of ‘Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce.’
“Our initial solar array investment in 2023 with expansions in ’24 and ’25 demonstrates our commitment to reduce electricity consumption from the grid and reduce the production of greenhouse gases.
“Big Shine has played an integral role in this strategy, and the Link-Belt team appreciates its recognition.”
Link-Belt Cranes operates in the design and production of telescopic boom and lattice boom cranes, serving clients in the global construction sector.
Prior to this, A.W.A. Contracting completed initial foundation work at a 4,700-acre master-planned development along the US 1 corridor in northern Palm Coast, Florida.
The company utilised a hired Link-Belt Cranes TCC-800 telescopic crawler crane from distributor Kelly Tractor to lift 270 sheet piles, each weighing 14,000lb.
