Winners show their commitment to sustainability
In a gala celebration, CCSE recognized local businesses, organizations and individuals who made noteworthy energy savings in 2009 at the sixth annual San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards held at Market Creek Plaza March 25.
“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.”
Stillings read a letter from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stating, “Your (the award winners) efforts and ideas set an incredible example not only for your fellow Californians, but for people all over the world who look to our state for environmental innovation. Thanks to pacesetters like you, our Golden State is a global leader in going green.”
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 individuals, schools, colleges, architects, developers, a commuter program, a brewery and the City of Chula Vista, Calif. Videos of the winners and their facilities can be viewed online.
- 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 that improved occupant comfort and indoor air quality at a school and that will serve as a prototype for future retrofits - 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
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