California Center for Sustainable Energy

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 26, 2010) - San Diego businesses, organizations and individuals who made noteworthy energy savings in 2009 were honored by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) at the sixth annual San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards held at Market Creek Plaza yesterday (Thurs., March 25, 2010).

“At CCSE, we realize that to achieve a more sustainable energy future as a nation requires local actions to increase energy efficiency, implement renewable energy measures and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. “Keeping an eye on their bottom line, many people forgo energy improvements, yet others, such as these SANDEE Award winners, have learned that state-of-the-art energy strategies can cut their utility costs and improve business profits.”

According to CCSE, the estimated energy savings achieved by this year’s nine award recipients totals nearly 11 million kilowatt hours of electricity and reduces more than 48,350 metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions. The electrical savings is equivalent to the annual energy use of about 1,570 average California households. The greenhouse gas emissions equate to the carbon dioxide emitted annually from 8,387 passenger vehicles.

The SANDEE Award winners included local individuals, schools, colleges, architects, developers, a commuter program, a brewery and the City of Chula Vista, Calif.

Special Achievement in Energy by a Homeowner – Tom and Judy Myers of Alpine, Calif.

Completed a whole-house integration of passive and active solar strategies with energy-conserving systems resulting in a zero net energy home

Achievement in Energy by a Government or Institutional Agency – Calif. State University, San Marcos

Conducted a comprehensive energy conservation project to reduce consumption by more than 25 percent, saving nearly $600,000 in annual energy costs

Special Achievement in Energy by a Nonprofit – Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation

Converted an old hotel into a green, affordable housing complex in Chula Vista, bringing the benefits of renewable and efficient energy technologies to low-income tenants

Special Achievement in Transportation – iCommute Regional Vanpool Program

Program decreases traffic congestion during peak hour times, reducing gasoline use and greenhouse gas emissions by removing some 5,000 vehicles from peak hour commuting

Special Achievement in Energy Education – San Diego Unified School District, Prop S program

Installed an energy-efficient air conditioning system and improved occupant comfort and indoor air quality

Special Achievement in Energy by a Small Business – ARCHITECTS hanna gabriel wells

Redesigned and remodeled a 1955 auto repair shop into a modern, net zero energy building, reusing 90 percent of existing building and installing daylighting and LED task lighting

Special Achievement in Energy by Medium to Large Business – Stone Brewing Company

Carries out a commitment to the environment and sustainability in every aspect of their business, including a solar system that provides 30-40 percent of their electricity needs

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Energy – Glen Brandenburg of SDSU

Founder and director of Mission Bay Aquatic Center and advisor to Associated Students Green Love Sustainability Advisory Board, Brandenburg inspires and leads SDSU students to adopt sustainable habits, create campus environmental programs and build energy-efficient facilities

Outstanding Organizational Achievement in Energy – City of Chula Vista

Committed to sustaining a clean, healthy environment through a wide array of energy-related programs and policies that emphasize energy efficiency and renewable energy