City Energy Awards
City of San Diego Among National Leaders Honored for Green Power
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy honored the City of San Diego on November 4, 2003 for its leadership in significantly advancing the development of green power. Environmental Services Department Director Elmer L. Heap Jr. accepted the Green Power Leadership Award for the City’s annual on-site generation of a maximum capacity of 17.5 megawatts of renewable energy annually, equivalent to powering 12,775 homes. The Metropolitan Wastewater Department produces most of the City’s renewable energy to power its facilities. In January 2005, the EPA ranked the City as the nation's eight largest producer and user of green power.
City’s Energy Conservation Leadership Recognized by State of California
In recognition of the City’s ongoing leadership in energy conservation and efficiency programs,
its Energy Conservation and Management Division has received two state’s "Flex Your Power" awards on August 20, 2002 and October 23, 2005. Since 2001, the City’s energy program has saved 24 million kWh and saved $3 million annually.
LEED
Council Policy 900-14 requires all newly constructed facilities and remodels
over 5,000 sq. feet be built to LEED silver standard. The following City
facilities are either LEED certified or pending certification.
- George L. Stevens Senior Center
- Fire Station 29
- Northwestern Police Substation
- Nobel Drive Library and Recreation Complex
Energy Star
The Ridgehaven "Green Building" is home to the Environmental Services Department. One of America’s most resource efficient buildings, Ridgehaven holds the nation’s first Energy Star label for buildings awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Green Building features include energy savings, resource conservation, a healthy workplace, and operational savings. The following City facilities have received the Energy Star Award.
- Ridgehaven Office Bulding - 1999, 2005, 2006
- World Trade Center Office Building - 2002, 2005, 2006
- Metropolitan Operations Center I - 2006
- Metropolitan Operations Center III - 2006
- Police Headquarters - 2006
- Central Library - 2003, 2005
- Rancho Bernardo Library - 2003, 2005
Public Technology Institute Tech Leader Award
Tom Blair, Energy Administrator, was awarded the Public Technology Institute (PTI) Tech Leader Award 2005/2006 for large governments. This national award recognizes Tom Blair’s vision implementing a comprehensive multi-pronged energy program focusing on long term energy efficiency improvements and short term conservation actions.
Green Power Leadership Club
In 2005, the City of San Diego’s Energy program, an EPA "Green Power Partner," was
recognized as the top rated municipality on EPA’s list of top 25 Green Power Purchasers,
ranking number 9 overall. The City is also in the Green Power Leadership Club for
2003-2005, winning the onsite generation award in 2003.
Flex Your Power
The City of San Diego’s energy conservation and management program was recognized as a leader in energy efficiency with a 2005 Flex Your Power Award, presented by Flex Your Power, California’s statewide energy efficiency campaign. The City’s energy program saved 24 million kilowatt hours since its inception in 2001. This award also recognized the renovation to police headquarters making it virtually energy independent. The building uses multiple speed fans, window tinting, and an energy management system. Cogeneration and photovoltaics provide much of the facility’s electrical, heating and cooling needs.
SANDEE
Tom Blair, the Energy Administrator, received the first San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Award (PDF: 24K) presented by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner of January 18, 2005. The SANDEE awards are given to outstanding business, government and institutional projects or activities that save energy or contribute to the success of the "San Diego Regional Energy Strategy 2030." Mr. Blair was honored for his outstanding achievement in promoting energy efficiency in city-owned facilities. In addition, Mr. Blair was also named 2005 Energy Manager of the Year (Region V) by the Association of Energy Engineers.
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