San Diego Gas & Electric recently honored public and private-sector organizations based in the San Diego area for their leadership in advancing energy efficiency and an environmentally sustainable future. As part of its 14th annual Energy Showcase, SDG&E recognized eight organizations for making a positive impact the community every day through their sustainability efforts.
“As business leaders continue to invest in energy efficient and clean energy technologies, not only are they helping to create new cleantech industries and jobs, they are helping to build a more sustainable and healthier future,” said Caroline Winn, chief operating officer for SDG&E. “They are showing the world that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship do go hand in hand.”
San Diego Leaders in Energy Efficiency
In the agricultural/industrial category, Hunter Industries, based in San Marcos, was awarded in part for their water-efficient landscaping irrigation products. Among other initiatives, Hunter Industries increased the use of recyclable materials by 312% by repurposing them in production.
Community HousingWorks was awarded in the residential category. The North Park apartment building incorporates numerous energy-saving features, including LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical systems, low-flow fixtures, solar hot water, solar panels and Energy Star appliances.
In the commercial category, NBC 7/Telemundo 20, was recognized for its sustainable facility, including a solar rooftop system with battery storage, generators, smart irrigation systems, recycled carpet and solar light tubes.
Another award winner is the Ocean Discovery Institute, the San Diego Unified School District’s “Living Lab” where students can get hands-on conservation learning experiences. The Ocean Discovery Institute participated in SDG&E’s Savings By Design incentive program and incorporated energy-efficient building design and construction practices, such as drought-tolerant landscaping.
Additionally, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians at the Viejas Casino & Resort was awarded for implementing various energy-efficient technologies on a large scale through SDG&E’s On-Bill Financing program, rebates and incentives.
Lastly, three public organizations also were recognized for their work. The San Diego Association of Governments provides innovative energy assessments to local governments through its Energy Roadmap program. Grossmont Union High School District was recognized for installing solar rooftop and carports at 12 sites producing a total 20 MW of solar energy. Helix Water District has made a host of upgrades, which has reduced energy use by 25% in the past 10 years, and has partnered with SDG&E to install 20 EV chargers at its facilities and upgraded its fleet with six electric vehicles.
SDG&E encourages its business customers to save energy and save money through a variety of smart solutions, including free onsite energy efficiency analysis and zero-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades.
Image (above): Team members of the Ocean Discovery Institute, one of the Energy Showcase award winners.
