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4th Annual Flex Your Power Awards

Flex Your Power Awards Trophy

Flex Your Power congratulates the 36 recipients of the 4th Annual Flex Your Power Awards! From over 250 applicants, 35 organizations were selected for outstanding achievements in energy efficiency in five categories: Best Overall (3), Energy Efficiency (14), Demand Response (5), Education and Leadership (7) and Innovative Products and Services (6). We applaud these Californians' ongoing commitment to saving energy, money and protecting our natural environment!

View Governor Schwarzenegger's speech at the 4th Annual Flex Your Power Awards Ceremony

4th Annual Award Winners

4th Annual Honorable Mentions

Best Overall Award Winners

Adobe Systems Incorporated↑ Top

Adobe Systems in San Jose saves $748,000 annually through its energy efficiency improvements. Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) receives 20% of property management fees based on key performance indicators - including a requirement that Adobe's headquarters earn the ENERGYSTAR® label each year. C&W improved lighting; plug loads; and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; and installed water-saving devices that conserve 295,000 gallons monthly.

California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)↑ Top

California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has committed to reducing energy use 20% at its property holdings - affecting about 117 million sq. ft. of office and industrial space worth $7.3 billion - within five years. CalPERS, one of the nation's largest pension funds, also uses its market power to promote energy efficiency. The company has earmarked $200 million for investment in environmental technologies, with another $500 million committed to environmentally responsible stock portfolios.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)↑ Top

University of California (UC), Berkeley integrates energy efficiency into operations, teaching, research and construction. The campus not only upgraded 6,000 lights and created the Green Building Research Center, but also educated thousands of students each year about energy efficiency with classes and with contests like "Blackout Battles," where residence halls compete to lower energy use. All new buildings are designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.

Energy Efficiency Award Winners

Allergan Inc.↑ Top
Allergan, Inc. saves energy by tapping into the potential of its 1,500 employees. To encourage employees to cut usage, the Irvine company ties evaluations, raises and bonuses to conservation objectives. Allergan also highlights energy issues during National Energy Awareness Month and uses newsletters and other materials to spread energy-saving tips. The payoff has been substantial: Allergan's energy use fell by 9%-6 million kWh-in 2004 alone.

California State University, Office of the Chancellor↑ Top
California State University (CSU) cut electricity and natural gas consumption by nearly 11.3 million kWh and 279,000 therms, respectively, across its 23 campuses in 2004-2005. CSU made these cuts by working in partnership with local utilities. Looking ahead, CSU aims to reduce energy consumption 15% by 2010. And starting in 2006, all new capital projects will be designed to outperform California's tough energy standards by at least 15%.

Children's Hospital Central California↑ Top
Children's Hospital of Central California's facility upgrades saved 3 million kWh. Payback is expected in 18 months. A facility-wide energy audit in 2002 led to several lighting and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, including installation of 14 new air-handling systems with variable frequency drives. The 2004 investments alone will save the hospital $270,000.

City of Redondo Beach↑ Top
The City of Redondo Beach reduced energy use by 21% and energy costs by $1.2 million annually. In 2000, the city committed to reduce its energy costs 20% and began a comprehensive energy program. Improvements to city facilities include T8 lights, window film, and solar tubes that capture and direct natural light. Redondo Beach also installed light-emitting diode (LED) traffic signals, power regulators on streetlights, and solar irrigation timers to reduce energy and water use.

City of San Diego↑ Top
The City of San Diego's energy program saves 24 million kWh and $3 million annually since 2001. As part of its program, San Diego requires that all municipal construction meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards. In 2005, the city renovated its 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.

Grimmway Farms↑ Top
Grimmway Farms reduced annual energy consumption 15% and trimmed peak demand by 500 kW by targeting, with the help of its utility, the main energy consumer at its four Bakersfield facilities: refrigeration. Grimmway installed new refrigeration systems, complete with insulation, high-efficiency motors and advanced temperature controls. Employees were informed of the energy-saving benefits, including savings of more than $300,000 and 3.4 million kWh annually.

Jazz Semiconductor↑ Top
Jazz Semiconductor's already efficient facility will reduce energy use an additional 6.3% this year. Jazz optimized HVAC, production, and water and air treatment equipment. Jazz also uses first-of-its-kind technology, such as a hot, deionized water system and real-time, demand-based filtration control in clean rooms. The company, in addition to reducing water consumption, expects to save $1 million in utility bills, 11 million kWh, and 1.2 million Btu.

Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development↑ Top
Johnson & Johnson's new lab in La Jolla beats California's energy efficiency standards by 18%. Efficient technologies installed include window glazing and shades, variable speed drives and lights that are all under 60 watts. A 2.2-MW cogeneration system supplies 95% of electricity as well as heating and cooling. The facility is also water efficient, reducing 11 million gallons annually. The new lab met Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.

Northrop Grumman Corporation↑ Top
Northrop Grumman cut peak demand 11% in July and August 2005. By trimming an average of 6,600 hours from annual lighting operating hours and encouraging employees to turn off unnecessary lights and equipment, Northrop's use dropped more than 16,000 kW. The company also expects to save 5.8 million kWh through equipment upgrades. New T5 lights in the 4.5-million-sq.-ft. Los Angeles facility reduce energy use, produce less heat, and brighten work areas.

San Mateo County Community College District↑ Top
San Mateo County Community College District cut energy use 56%, saved more than 7.2 million kWh, avoided $1 million in energy costs, and helped the state avoid 3,200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2005. Savings stem from efficiency improvements - including efficient lights and cogeneration units that reuse waste heat from onsite electricity generation to provide heating - to 55 buildings across three campuses. All new construction is up to 42% more energy-efficient than California's energy standards.

Swinerton Incorporated↑ Top
Swinerton Inc.'s renovated headquarters saves more than $150,000 annually and beats California's stringent energy standards for buildings by 12%. Renovations, which earned Swinerton a Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating, included cool roof installation, daylighting, and automation of the HVAC and lighting controls using an Internet-based computer system. The building's electricity use has dropped 50%.

Toyota Plaza↑ Top
Toyota Plaza has cut electricity use by 1.5 million kWh-more than 45%-since 2000.Facility managers installed an energy management system (EMS), added variable frequency drives to air handling and cooling tower fans, replaced old boilers, added window tinting, and installed T8 fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts and motion sensors. A digital electrical meter allows the existing EMS to automatically power down non-critical equipment when preset load thresholds are reached.

United States Postal Service (USPS)↑ Top
United States Postal Service's (USPS) San Francisco facilities are capable of cutting 200 kW during peak. Since 2004, USPS has saved 64 million kWh and $6.3 million by upgrading lights to T8 fluorescent lights and installing electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, compact fluorescent lights, light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs, and energy management systems. Retrofits to the more than 12.2 million sq. ft. of office space were financed with energy cost savings.

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.↑ Top
Warner Bros. Studios saved over 8 million kWh - a 14% reduction - and more than $1 million annually. Energy efficiency improvements initiated after a campus-wide energy audit included: T8, compact fluorescent, and high-bay T5 lights; variable frequency drives on fan motors; programmable thermostats; and energy-efficient boilers and water heaters. Studio tours for 72,000 annual visitors include information about the improvements. An "Eco-Ambassador" program helps employees monitor their energy use.

Demand Response Award Winners

El Dorado Irrigation District (EID)↑ Top
El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) saved 15% on its electric bills by adjusting pumping schedules. This past summer, during off-peak hours, EID shifted more than 2,000 kW at a water treatment plant and water pump station. EID was invited to present its successful model to other water agencies and will build a new water transmission line to further increase off-peak pumping abilities.

Hewlett-Packard Company ↑ Top
Hewlett-Packard (HP) used enhanced automation at its facilities to cut 2,750 kW when peak demand was high. Adjustments to HVAC and lighting loads did not disrupt processes or employees and helped ease strain on regional power grids. Employee education and software, such as sleep programs for computer monitors worldwide, saved as much as 7.8 million kWh in 2005. HP also produces more than 1,000 ENERGY STAR®-qualified products for both home and office use.

Kyocera ↑ Top
Kyocera Group in San Diego cuts demand by 8,400 kW when electrical supplies are low. In one facility, an energy control management system powers down heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting; and other equipment. Another facility generates 90% of its peak demand onsite using photovoltaics and cogeneration. Since 2002, Kyocera has also saved 554,000 kWh by automating HVAC and lighting, installing variable frequency drives, and applying window tinting.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.↑ Top
Lockheed Martin Space Systems was able to cut peak demand 7.3% in one yard during July 2005. When called upon to curtail usage, Lockheed sent educational notices and e-mails to all employees and shut down HVAC equipment at 2 p.m. The company reduced total electricity usage 4.5% by investing in efficient equipment and controls and running employee awareness programs. Lockheed Martin also runs an audit program that identifies employees who leave equipment on after hours.

Otay Water District↑ Top
Otay Water District (OWD) cut peak demand by 56% through time-of-use metering and off-peak pumping while participating in a demand response program. Since 2003, OWD has also upgraded pumps, motors, lights, and HVAC equipment - saving $93,000 in annual costs and1.7 million kWh.

Education & Leadership Award Winners

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)↑ Top
California State University (CSU), San Bernardino's students increased energy awareness. As part of the Green Campus Pilot Program, students distributed CFLs and equipped dorm rooms with ENERGY STAR appliances to demonstrate savings. In 2004-05, the CSU system saved nearly 11.3 million kWh and 279,000 therms of natural gas across it 23 campuses. By 2010, CSU aims to reduce total energy consumption 15% and, starting in 2006, new projects will outperform California's energy standards by at least 10%.

Campanelli Construction↑ Top
Campanelli Construction's office demonstrates that green buildings cost less and take less time to build. Stick framing was replaced with structural-insulated panels, which increase insulation, and lower costs and construction time. Other features include natural light and ventilation, water-efficient landscaping and a 5.8-kW photovoltaic system, which supplies all power. Campanelli finished 30 days ahead of schedule and did so at a savings of $10/sq. ft. To encourage others, Campanelli helped launch the nonprofit Built Green Santa Barbara.

Del Monte Foods↑ Top
Del Monte Foods' fruit-canning facility in Modesto was selected by the US Department of Energy and National Association of State Energy Officials as a food industry pilot for assessing comprehensive energy efficiency management technologies. Through this partnership, Del Monte implemented energy management systems that proactively optimize energy usage and support plant maintenance of its water, air, gas, electricity and steam systems. The new energy management technologies implemented in 2005 have assisted the Del Monte plant in significantly reducing plant energy usage and costs.

Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)↑ Top
Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) in 2001 kicked off one of the largest public-sector green-building projects in the nation. LACCD expects that at the close of the project 40 new or renovated buildings will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. LACCD is committed to energy education and will integrate learning stations into its new buildings. The district also co-sponsors an annual sustainability conference with the U.S. Green Building Council.

next>edge↑ Top
next>edge helps its commercial facility clients save an average of 42 million kWh annually. The company's turnkey approach to energy efficiency is three-pronged: (1) integrate mechanical, electrical, and technological systems, (2) optimize and synchronize old and new equipment, and (3) provide training on efficient technologies and practices. Clients of next>edge typically save 20-50% in energy costs. The company has helped building owners earn more than 300 ENERGY STAR® labels - more than any other efficiency vendor.

Qualcomm Incorporated↑ Top
QUALCOMM Inc., maintains a dedicated energy webpage that provides its more than 8,000 employees with suggestions for reducing energy use at home and work. Regionally, Qualcomm engages in a number of energy-related projects, including service as chair of several energy and climate change policy groups. Qualcomm also hosts events to help educate industry peers, including a regional Energy Summit co-hosted by Energy Secretary Desmond and the first San Diego Regional Energy Office SDREO Solar Energy Conference.

San Diego Unified School District↑ Top
San Diego City Schools (SDCS) is building 15 new energy-efficient schools, financed by Proposition MM, that will outperform California's energy standards by 30%. Other SDCS energy initiatives include photovoltaic roofing and lighting retrofits. Students learn conservation measures in the classroom, and the district's website provides staff and parents with energy-saving tips for home and work. Since 1994, SDCS efforts have saved $90 million and 621 million kWh.

Innovative Products & Services Award Winners

California Portland Cement Company (CPCC)↑ Top
California Portland Cement (CPC) cut annual electricity consumption by 10% - roughly 31 million kWh - saving nearly $3 million each year. Savings stem from a host of process improvements and equipment upgrades, including installation of a grinding mill that uses new technology to reduce energy consumption by 40% compared to older mills. CPC also partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop an energy benchmarking program for other cement plants.

Davis Energy Group↑ Top
Davis Energy Group (DEG) introduced two air-conditioning technologies designed to save energy and trim utility bills. "NightBreeze" combines conventional heating and cooling equipment and advanced predictive controls to automatically ventilate homes at night. Testing showed that cooling costs dropped up to 65% and that compressor-based cooling was eliminated in some climates. "OASys" uses a novel heat exchanger to cool air with far less humidity than conventional evaporative coolers, saving 90% of total energy use and 80% of peak demand.

Dust Networks↑ Top
Dust Networks provides reliable, low-power wireless mesh networking systems for enterprise-class monitoring and control applications. Using SmartMesh-XR based monitoring solutions, a typical building can reduce energy and operational cost by up to 20%. With SmartMesh-XR wireless networking systems, the installation and commissioning time of energy management systems can be reduced from weeks to just hours compared to hard-wired systems, making energy management systems more economical.

International Rectifier Corp.↑ Top
International Rectifier (IR) develops power management technology capable of reducing 30% of the world's global energy budget. IR's digital, analog and mixed-signal ICs (integrated Circuit), advanced circuit devices, and integrated power systems reduce energy waste in motors - the single largest consumer of electricity. Motors power our appliances, air conditioners, industrial pumps and equipment. IR's technology also makes hybrid automobiles and lighting more efficient.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Fetzer Vineyards↑ Top
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) developed a computer-based benchmarking tool for California's 1,100 wineries, in partnership with Fetzer Vineyards and with support from the California Energy Commission. The Benchmarking and Energy and Water Savings Tool (BEST) allows vintners to compare their energy use to that of similar reference wineries. BEST then recommends technologies and practices that save energy, water and money. LBNL is developing similar tools for other industries.

Winesecrets↑ Top
Winesecrets introduces energy-saving technologies to California's wineries. Its Selective Tartrate Removal System (STARS) eliminates the need for refrigeration and reheating during tartrate removal, resulting in a 95% electricity reduction for this process. If adopted by all California wineries, STARS could save 24 million kWh each year. With support from utilities and the California Energy Commission, Winesecrets is demonstrating STARS to the wine industry. Winesecrets also has low-energy processes to reduce wine pH.

Energy Efficiency Honorable Mentions

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)↑ Top
California Department of Transportation's (CalTrans) new headquarters surpasses California's tough energy standards by 26% and meets the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver standards. CalTrans 760,000-sq.-ft. facility in Los Angeles will save 6.9 million kWh and $600,000 annually (compared to similar buildings) thanks to energy-efficient lights, chillers, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. When energy supplies are tight, CalTrans shuts down its chiller and unplugs kitchens equipment.

Cypress Semiconductor↑ Top
Cypress Semiconductor annually saves 7.6 million kWh, 436,000 therms of natural gas, and more than $1.2 million in utility costs. Improvements to HVAC operations alone reduced electricity and natural gas use in one building by 55% and 85%, respectively. Based on those results, Cypress upgraded HVAC and energy management systems across its entire 350,000-sq.-ft. San Jose campus, including energy-intensive data centers and clean rooms.

Del Taco, Inc.↑ Top
Del Taco replaced inefficient equipment and improved its operations, saving 101,041 therms and $79, 418 annually. Working closely with its utility, Del Taco replaced fryers with energy-efficient models and installed more efficient food heating units at almost 50 Southern California locations; the new fryers alone reduced energy use 10-20% per restaurant.

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation↑ Top
Edwards Lifesciences saves 3 million kWh and more than $1 million annually, thanks to recent efficiency improvements. The company upgraded its HVAC and energy management systems and installed highly efficient T5 lights, reducing energy use by 16%. The new T5s also brighten rooms and reduce cooling loads. Impressively, the savings came even though Edwards increased production hours (+75%), employees (+17%), and floor space (+6%).

Foothill-DeAnza Community College District↑ Top
Foothill-De Anza Community College District reduced electricity usage 20% and natural gas usage 40%, saving $800,000 annually. The district replaced lighting, HVAC equipment, and installed energy management systems at its Los Altos Hills and Cupertino campuses, cutting 3.6 million kWh annually. The district also invested in 780 kW of photovoltaics and cogeneration, enough to power the equivalent of 585 homes.

General Electric Company↑ Top
General Electric (GE) launched “Ecomagination” in 2005 and, by 2012, plans to double investment in clean technology research, introduce more energy-smart products and improve energy use 30% in its facilities. GE Sensing in Fremont is expected to reduce electricity use by approximately 20% and natural gas consumption 81%, saving an estimated $164,000 annually through optimization of the HVAC system. Utility cost savings and contractor financing funded the project, which is expected to achieve payback in about one year.

Johnson Controls Inc.↑ Top
Johnson Controls, Inc. saves an estimated 2.5 million kWh annually - 11% of the company's 2003 consumption. Upgrades have included efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, and energy management controls on process equipment. The controls alone shaved four hours from the daily operating schedules of 19 motors. Johnson Controls is also developing a demand-reduction system capable of automatically reducing power levels when the plant exceeds specified peak-electricity thresholds.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)↑ Top
Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) lighting project saves $652,000 each year. The district has cut roughly 5 million kWh - a 6% drop relative to 2004 - by installing 10,000 efficient lights (T5 fluorescent lights and light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs) in schools and other facilities. LAUSD saves approximately 219,000 therms of natural gas on a yearly basis by removing redundant heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and by upgrading other equipment. The district has directed that all new schools will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)↑ Top
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) cut energy use by up to 30%. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) reduced heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy use 30-40% by installing variable frequency drives. It also cut lighting use 60% by retrofitting warehouse lights, and reduced energy use 20% per elevator by installing new controls. The Van Nuys Airport, through lighting retrofits alone, saved over $140,000.

NASA Ames Research Center↑ Top
NASA Ames Research Center has saved 11.7 million kWh (5 kWh per sq. ft.) annually since 2000. To date, NASA Ames has retrofitted more than 50 buildings with T8 fluorescent lights, installed HVAC and lighting system controls in 10 buildings, and installed a 10-kW photovoltaic system. By 2010, the center seeks to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions 30% (in comparison to 1990 levels).

San Bernardino Community College District - Crafton Hills College↑ Top
San Bernardino Community College District, Crafton Hills College can now redirect $165,000 annually to student programs and campus improvements. The college dropped its total electricity use by 28% by replacing all lights with T8 fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED lights; installing motion sensors; incorporating an energy management system; installing an energy-efficient chiller and boiler; repairing and optimizing the HVAC system; and utilizing watersaving technologies in all school restrooms.

San Luis Obispo County↑ Top
San Luis Obispo County's new 100,000-sq.-ft. Government Center will exceed California's energy standards by 37%. Innovations made in 2005 include low-e glazing on windows and an HVAC system with under-floor air distribution - up to 30% more efficient than traditional fan systems. A central plant with 600-kW cogeneration unit supplies roughly 40% of the electricity and provides heating and cooling using waste heat.

Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)↑ Top
Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) helped residents reduce electricity use by 196 million kWh and eliminate 89 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. SCVWD's recycling and conservation programs lower demand for water - thus reducing electricity needed to pump, distribute, and heat water. Programs include free home water surveys and incentives for purchase of efficient clothes washers and toilets. SCVWD serves nearly 2 million people.

Stater Bros. Markets↑ Top
Stater Bros. Markets has saved more than 9 million kWh over the past two years. The company installed energy-efficient refrigeration cases and energy management systems in a majority of its 161 Southern California stores. Stater Bros. also made energy efficiency a priority for construction projects. Its new 2 million-sq.-ft distribution center and general office will be 37% more efficient than a standard facility.

Thomas Properties Group, Inc.↑ Top
Thomas Properties Group, Inc. undertook a major energy efficiency renovation of the 2.6 million-sq.-ft. City National Plaza in Los Angeles. Retrofits included replacement of two chillers with efficient models, installation of high efficiency lights, and installation of variable speed drives and efficient motors on HVAC pumps and fans. As a result, the building saved almost 1.8 million kWh, 1,300 kW and $1.5 million, compared to 2004 levels, The goal of the renovation is to make the facility more attractive to businesses, which will appreciate the lower energy costs and reliability of an energy-efficient building.

Tulare County↑ Top
Tulare County has saved taxpayers $709,000 annually with energyefficient building management. The county retrofitted 66 buildings with new lighting and installed HVAC systems and building controls, which operate equipment based on actual occupancy. Energy management cut almost 4.9 million kWh of electricity - a 23% reduction - and reduced peak power demand by 1,127 kW.

Union Bank of California - San Diego Branch↑ Top
Union Bank of California earned ENERGY STAR labels for three of its California banks. The bank reduced electricity by 4.2 million kWh (nearly 14%) across its more than 312 branches and 5 million sq. ft. of office space in 2004. Since 1998, Union Bank of California has retrofitted lights, installed computer controls, raised thermostat settings, turned off or reduced signage lighting and non-essential lighting, and controlled dusk-to-dawn lights with photocells.

Westfield Corporation↑ Top
Westfield Corporation cut electricity use 19% through a major lighting retrofit at five San Diego County shopping centers. Lighting was upgraded in common areas, parking garages, and exits - saving 5.6 million kWh of electricity and reducing peak demand by 565 kW. The retrofit will serve as a model for lighting upgrades next year at most Westfield locations nationwide.

Wild Oats Markets↑ Top
Wild Oats Market uses 50% less energy with its new refrigeration distribution center in Riverside, relative to standard facilities. Completed in late 2004, the new 241,000-sq.-ft. structure boasts $7 million in energy efficiency investments, including efficient lighting, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. The building uses 2 million kWh less energy than a standard refrigeration distribution center, and its equipment, would use.

Demand Response Honorable Mentions

CNET Networks↑ Top
CNET Networks shaved more than 143 kW at its San Francisco headquarters in summer 2005 by turning off 50% of lights and operating its air conditioner in cycles. Last year, CNET Networks optimized its heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; automated facility controls; and installed efficient lighting. Those measures led to a 10% reduction in energy usage and savings of $85,625 on utility bills.

Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc.↑ Top
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has prioritized energy efficiency and demand response at downtown San Francisco property. When called upon to reduce peak demand, JLL notified tenants to take actions such as shut down unneeded lights and equipment. JLL also reduced demand building-wide by shutting down elevators and reducing lighting in common areas. Overall, the company reduced 13% at peak over 12 months in this facility, and saved nearly $250,000.

Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC)↑ Top
Naval Base Ventura County's (NBVC) participation in a demand response program saved the base more than $12,000 in 2005. Prior to cutting demand, NBVC's Energy Office sends base-wide e-mails that notifying personnel of the upcoming load-shed drill and include a checklist of ways to conserve electricity. NBVC's quarterly load-shed drills help ensure quick response times following energy alerts; a January drill lowered demand by 3% and 8.5% at two base sites.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD)↑ Top
Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) cares about saving energy, not just water. OMWD sent its employees weekly energy-saving tips and distributed quarterly newsletters containing energy-related articles to customers. With four facilities participating in demand response and conservation programs, OMWD leads by example. To reduce demand, employees turn off non-essential lights, set thermostats to 76ºF, and unplug appliances. Upgrades to OMWD's HVAC and lighting have also improved energy efficiency.

Oracle Corporate↑ Top
Oracle reduced use of electricity by 12.4%, cutting 7.8 million kWh at its corporate headquarters in 2004, despite expansion of computer labs, data centers and work stations. Oracle also stands ready to curtail as much as 18% of peak demand in its 1.8 million sq. ft. of office in case of power emergencies. Among its other efficiency innovations, Oracle developed the Global Thermostat Adjustment, which is being considered as a requirement in California's tough energy efficiency standards.

San Francisco Hilton & Towers↑ Top
Hilton San Francisco far exceeded its goal of trimming 275 kW of peak demand in 2005. The hotel participated in a demand response program and, through peak conservation actions such as turning off fans and pumps, shaved almost 2,000 kW of peak power in the first five months of 2005. Energy-efficient chillers, lighting, and air conditioners have cut total use and saved the hotel hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Shorenstein Company LLC↑ Top
Shorenstein Company's commercial properties cut 4.6 million kWh and saved $500,000 in energy costs. Operational changes in four buildings alone saved 175 kWh per building. Other energy efficiency improvements included efficient lighting, motors, and energy management controls. Four of the company's San Francisco buildings have made a commitment to reduce usage by a total of 350 kW when energy is in high demand.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)↑ Top
University of California at Los Angeles saved $500,000 through a thermal energy storage (TES) system and by shifting loads to off-peak hours. The 5-million-gallon TES system made and stored cold water overnight. The water provided 35,000 tons of air conditioning during the day. The school's lighting retrofit saved another $2.4 million annually. The Green Building Design and Clean Energy Standards direct individual campuses throughout the UC system to adopt energy efficiency practices and reduce use of non-renewable fuels.

Education & Leadership Honorable Mentions

Allen Associates↑ Top
Allen Associates helps their clients make energy efficiency a priority. Allen Associates steers clients toward green, efficient projects that reduce wastewater and energy use. Firm principals also regularly lecture on green building practices at area colleges and industry seminars. The Santa Barbara firm's offices are designed to use natural lighting and cross ventilation for cooling and are equipped with ENERGY STAR office equipment, energy-efficient lights and a 5 kW-photovoltaic system.

Bayer, Inc↑ Top
Bayer Healthcare Biological Products Division cut electricity demand 25% at one of its Berkeley facilities, saving $50,000 in annual energy costs by curtailing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) operation during non-work hours. Bayer's companywide energy program helps reduce on-peak energy demand by focusing on low-cost repairs, operational improvements, and employee education. As part of its environmental campaign, Bayer hosted an energy fair for employees , distributed materials and enrolled in the ENERGY STAR® Million Monitor Drive.

Braille Institute ↑ Top
Braille Institute has saved $134,000 annually through a variety of energy efficiency improvements at their Los Angeles headquarters. The Institute installed timers on lights, carbon monoxide sensors that trigger ventilation fans only when needed and variable speed drives. These measures yield an annual energy savings of 2.1 million kWh. Looking forward, the Institute aims to reduce total demand to less than 1 million kW, cutting more than 12,000 kW.

Clever Homes, LLC↑ Top
Clever Homes improves energy efficiency in new homes up to 50% -while reducing construction costs.Structural-insulated panels and natural ventilation are standard elements. For Better Homes and Gardens, Clever Homes designed "America's Home," which is featured weekly on Discovery Channel. Another design, the "NOWHouse," was one of the most visited energy-efficient demonstration homes in the United States. Clever Homes is currently collaborating with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on a zero-energy home.

Climate Change Education ↑ Top
ClimateChangeEducation.org catalogues sustainability and energy-related information online for students, educators and researchers. Its web site draws 20,000 visitors each month. Millions more people are reached by exhibits and interactive activities and demonstrations for students of all ages, as the organization works with museums and science centers throughout California -- including at outreach fairs. One partnership now being promoted is the California Energy Bike project, a hands-on demonstration that educates kids about creating and conserving electricity.

Kaiser Permanente↑ Top
Kaiser Permanente has reduced energy usage roughly 10% since 2002 in its California facilities. Kaiser Permanente also contributed its expertise in energy efficiency to the development of the "Green Guide for Health Care," a national best practices guide for healthy and sustainable building design, construction, and operations for the healthcare industry. In addition, Kaiser Permanente is including energy-efficient design and technologies in all new and remodeled facilities.

Naval Base Coronado↑ Top
Naval Base Coronado (NBC) reduced an estimated 2.5 million kWh and roughly $357,000 in fiscal year 2005. Under the guidance of its energy board, NBC improved base efficiency by including installing 263 ENERGY STAR clothes washers and more than 2,000 light-emitting diode (LED) lights on airfield taxiways. NBC also broadcast conservation tips and energy alerts to base population on two prominent outdoor signs.

Palo Alto Unified School District↑ Top
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) is helping to train the next generation of leaders in energy efficiency by incorporating energy-related science experiments and field trips into school curricula. Exercises include constructing mini-generators to learn about power generation and hands-on work with solar-energy systems. El Carmello Elementary School highlights energy issues in its newsletter and runs an "Energy Patrol" program, which assigns students to monitor classroom energy use and distribute Energy Awards for conservation.

Pasadena City College↑ Top
Pasadena City College (PCC) committed to reduce energy use following the 2001 energy crisis. PCC and has upgraded lighting and HVAC systems and installed a cogeneration system, which generates uses waste heat to warm the school's Olympic-sized pool. In 2005, PCC replaced three inefficient chillers with two energy-efficient models, cutting electricity use by 30-35%. To help others realize savings, PCC provides tours of its equipment and participates in energy-awareness events and fairs.

Stanford University↑ Top
Stanford University's commitment to energy and water efficiency helped the campus save 2.3 million kWh, 230,000 therms of steam and chilled water, and 7.4 million gallons of drinking water in 2004. As part of its portfolio of strategies, Stanford has an energy incentive program that allocates baseline electricity budgets to each academic school and administrative unit to encourage savings. Campus groups are fiscally responsible if they exceed their budgets, and are rewarded for saving energyin a unique cash-for-kilowatts payout.

Sultana High School↑ Top
Sultana High School distributes a list of all items purchased with money from avoided energy costs - roughly $85,000. The high school also participated in the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Schools program to educate students and school staff about energy use. Working with teachers, students produced two energy-awareness commercials for the school's "Morning Video Wakeup" program. The students also audited the campus and presented the results to employees.

Thompson Naylor Architects↑ Top
Thompson Naylor Architects increases awareness about sustainable building and energy efficiency. Thompson Naylor is a member of the Green Building Alliance and Built-Green Santa Barbara and has seveal built energy-efficient projects that have earned the architects green building awards. Owners and staff have taught green building to elementary and adult students, lectured at public and industry events, been docents at energy events, and contributed to several media pieces.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD)↑ Top
University of California at San Diego (UCSD) saved 3.4 million kWh and nearly 684,000 therms of natural gas through retrofits. UCSD also participates in the Green Campus pilot program, which empowers college students to help manage the school's energy use. The UC system directs individual campuses to emphasize energy efficiency in capital projects and reduce use of non-renewable fuels. All new buildings are designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.

Innovative Products & Services Honorable Mentions

California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC)↑ Top
The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) specializes in developing energy-efficient lighting technologies that are within reach of the average consumer. CLTC's new "California Kitchen Lighting System" offers homebuilders and homeowners an easy-to-install CFL-based system that is 75% more efficient than comparable incandescent lighting. The new CLTC system effectively overcomes two limitations of recessed CFL lights-higher installation costs and heat buildup-by using fewer ballasts and incorporating adequate thermal protection.

Calpine Corporation↑ Top
Calpine Corporation and the City of Santa Rosa partnered on a unique water pipeline that contributes 85,000 kW to California's renewable energy supplies, or enough electricity to power 85,000 homes. The pipeline carries 11 million gallons of recycled water each day to recharge The Geysers, the world's largest geothermal operation, which accounts for one third of all green power produced in state. Before the project, excess recycled water was often discharged into the Russian River.

City of Santa Monica Environmental & Public Works Management (EPWM)↑ Top
City of Santa Monica has an innovative green-building ordinance that requires new and renovated buildings-both public and private-to exceed California's tough energy standards. Since 2002, more than 40 projects have complied with the ordinance, saving an estimated 4.8 million kWh annually. The city's small-business outreach program employs youths from disadvantaged communities to teach business owners about efficiency. Participating businesses have saved an average of 10,000 kWh annually.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Architecture & Urban Design↑ Top
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Architecture and Urban Design introduced a free computer program for homeowners to model how energy-efficient design and renovation could save energy and dollars. The tool, called Home Energy Efficient Design (HEED), allows homeowners to create a 3-D model of their home to learn about its energy performance and explore design improvements such as wall insulation, roof coating and new windows. Since its lanuch 2 years ago, HEED has helped thousands of homeowners.