Six local organizations receive SDG&E's Excellence in Energy award

SAN DIEGO – Six public and private sector organizations in the San Diego region were recognized recently for their leadership in advancing an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable future. For the 15th consecutive year, San Diego Gas & Electric’s Energy Showcase program honored local organizations that have made exceptional efforts to minimize their carbon footprint and maximize resource conservation.

“These winners set a great example for others to follow. They’ve demonstrated that investing in clean and innovative technologies not only help the environment but also benefit the bottom line,” Tashonda Taylor, vice president of customer operations for SDG&E, said. “Ultimately, their efforts help our region move closer to meeting California’s ambitious climate goals and in turn, create a sustainable future.”

SDG&E offers its customers a variety of smart solutions to save energy and money, including free on-site energy efficiency audit and zero-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades. In addition, SDG&E recently launched its Power Your Drive for Fleets program, which helps businesses with medium- and heavy-duty fleets reduce operating and maintenance costs by transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and equipment.

This year’s winners, profiled in these individual videos are as follows:

Agricultural / Industrial

Viasat is a Carlsbad-based satellite internet and defense communication firm that has maintained a laser focus on energy efficient design for its campus facilities. It earned three LEED Gold certifications and has incorporated a Certified Environmental Management System, LED lighting, cool roof technology, high-efficiency boilers and HVAC system, as well as a fleet of electric golf carts at their new east campus.

Residential

MC Properties is a local company that provides not just affordable, but also energy-efficient housing for income-qualified, military and higher education students. On a set path toward zero net energy, it has incorporated many sustainable elements, including rooftop solar water heating systems, high-efficiency boilers, kitchen and restroom faucet aerators, low flow showerheads and LED lighting.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization which builds homes to Energy Star standards throughout San Diego County for eligible families in need of affordable housing. Technologies it has adopted include solar energy, energy-efficient lighting and electric vehicle charging stations. Currently, Habitat for Humanity is building 11 energy-efficient homes in the Logan Heights area.

Commercial

Bartell Hotels is a local hotel group that is always looking for energy-savings opportunities. Its properties include Humphrey's Half Moon Inn, Best Western Island Palms, Hilton San Diego Airport, Holiday Inn Bayside, Pacific Terrace Hotel, Days Inn Mission Valley, Dana Inn Marina and the Sheraton La Jolla. Through SDG&E’s programs, Bartell has made a host of energy efficiency improvements, including upgrading its HVAC systems and implementing energy management and controls at several hotel locations. As a result, the company has achieved a 40% reduction in energy costs. It’s also an active participant in the Port of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.

Public

As part of its Climate Action Plan, the City of La Mesa engages and educates both its residents and businesses on energy and water efficiency. The city promotes LEED standards for all buildings and developments, and it incorporated LED lighting and an infrared thermometer to identify energy waste hot spots. One of the city’s most notable accomplishments is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by transitioning its fleet to renewable diesel. Additionally, La Mesa developed a DIY energy audit toolkit, which inspired San Diego County to do the same.

The zero net energy maintenance and operations building at Palomar College’s San Marcos campus demonstrates what can be achieved when aggressive sustainability goals are set. The campus incorporated low flow irrigation, rainwater capture systems, daylighting and thermal chimneys. The college also actively promoted sustainable design by presenting at conferences and hosting tours of the new maintenance and operations building for other colleges and design teams.

Submitted by SDG&E.