Adura Technologies↑ Top
Adura Technologies developed easy-to-install wireless controls that
cut electricity costs for fluorescent lighting as much as 65%. Designed
for open-plan offices, the controls turn lights on/off using a combination
of manual switches, occupancy sensors, photosensors and timers. By
eliminating wiring, Adura's approach is a cost-effective way to give
cubicle workers control of their lighting, while automatically reducing
excess light. Lighting accounts for almost 40% of electricity usage in
California's commercial buildings.
Agilent↑ Top
Agilent Technologies in 2005 pledged to cut energy use worldwide by 2%. In California, this effort will save 2.7 million kWh across 3.5 million sq. ft. Agilent's Energy Conservation Program Manager meets regularly with site managers to plan projects and track performance. Site managers also share best practices and help each other reach goals. At Agilent's Santa Clara campus, two chiller replacements saved 900,000 kWh.
Allergan Inc.↑ Top
Allergan, Inc. in Irvine saved energy by tapping into the potential of
its 1,500 employees. To encourage its staff to cut energy use, the
pharmaceutical company tied evaluations, raises and bonuses to
conservation objectives. Allergan also highlighted energy issues during
National Energy Awareness Month and used newsletters and other
materials to share energy-saving tips. Allergan's energy efficiency
investments at Irvine reduced energy use 9% in 2004.
Art Center College of Design↑ Top
Art Center College of Design's South Campus exceeds California's
tough energy efficiency standards by 22%. The 93,000-sq.-ft. campus
utilizes a host of energy- and water-saving features, including efficient
lighting, skylights that adjust throughout the day to modify the amount
of daylight admitted to the building, an insulating rooftop garden,
low-flow plumbing fixtures and waterless urinals. The facility is Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified and uses
renewable energy.
Ascent Media Group, Inc.↑ Top
Ascent Media Group will save more than 183,000 kWh and $20,000 in 2005, compared to 2004, by replacing T12 fluorescent lights with T8 lights and installing an energy-efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In addition to saving money and electricity, the new HVAC system improves theindoor environment at Ascent's 100,000-sq.-ft. Burbank facility.
Bakersfield City School District (BCSD)↑ Top
Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) freed up more than $300,000
in its annual budget by installing 20 variable speed drives on pumps
and motors, 100 energy-efficient air conditioners and 140 vending
machine controls. To further reduce heating and cooling costs, BCSD
installed controls on its HVAC equipment and set cooling limits at
76 degrees and heating limits at 70 degrees. BCSD also installed
compact fluorescent outdoor lights at 12 schools and efficient T8
lights in more than 300 classrooms.
Boeing Company - Huntington Beach↑ Top
Boeing conducts routine energy audits at all sites to identify and implement energy-saving opportunities. In 2005, Boeing renovated lighting at its Huntington Beach campus, replacing more than 3,300
fixtures and saving 990,500 kWh and $109,000. At its El Segundo campus,
Boeing installed energy-efficient lighting and saved more than 2.6 million kWh.
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 Corp. and the City of Santa Rosa partnered on a unique water pipeline that contributes 85,000 kW - enough electricity to power 85,000 homes - to California's renewable energy supplies. Each day, the pipeline carries 11 million gallons of recycled water to recharge The
Geysers, the world's largest geothermal operation, which accounts for one-third of all green power produced in California. Before the project, excess recycled water was often discharged into the Russian River.
Campanelli Construction↑ Top
Campanelli Construction's own 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 for the office. 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.
Carmanah Technologies Inc.↑ Top
Carmanah Technologies, Inc.'s LED signs require no maintenance and consume as much as 90% less energy than fluorescent or neon signs. The company also produces solar-powered LED lights, which are simple to install, require no energy from the grid and need little maintenance or servicing. Carmanah's LEDs have a lifetime of up to
100,000 hours - 20 times as long as incandescent lights and twice as long as fluorescent lights.
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 Heights Community Development Corporation↑ Top
City Heights Community Development Corp. (CHCDC) renovated 61 apartments to be at least 20% more efficient than California's tough energy standards require. CHCDC's four affordable housing apartment buildings, located in the "International Village" community of City
Heights in San Diego, feature high performance windows, highly efficient insulation, energy controls and solar hot water heaters. In total, the project will save roughly 30,000 kWh in 2005.
City of Santa Barbara - Public Works Department↑ Top
The City of Santa Barbara's El Estero Wastewater Treatment Plant cut its energy use in half by installing variable speed drives on pumps and a high-efficiency blower. It also utilized energy-efficient treatment processes. The plant's fuel cell, which is powered by methane gas (produced by the plant's anaerobic digesters), provided about half the plant's power and reduced peak demand. The fuel cell serves as a pilot project for other wastewater agencies.
City of Turlock↑ Top
The City of Turlock will save almost 700,000 kWh and $30,000 annually
thanks to a traffic-light retrofit. The city replaced all 2,268 incandescent
traffic signal lights with LED signals. In addition to electricity cost
savings, the city will benefit from lower maintenance costs since LED
lights typically outlast incandescent lights by a number of years.
Coast Central Credit Union (CCCU)↑ Top
Coast Central Credit Union (CCCU) saved an estimated 28,000 kWh annually at its main office in Eureka by replacing nearly 1,000 inefficient T12 fluorescent lights with T8 lights and electronic ballasts. The savings equates to a 12% drop in electricity consumption. With utility bill savings of more than $4,000 annually, the lights are expected to pay for themselves within three years. CCCU will expand these improvements to its other offices in Northern California.
Dameron Hospital↑ Top
Dameron Hospital is developing a new central plant (which provides
heating and cooling) and has already saved 600,000 kWh, with more savings
to come. As a first step, Dameron installed a high-efficiency chiller, which,
alone, saves $60,000 per year in utility costs. Future construction projects
will include energy-efficient boilers that can be staged to optimize provision
of hot water, heating and steam. Presently, Dameron also invests in energy-efficient
lighting, lighting controls and light-emitting diode (LED) signage.
Davis Energy Group (DEG)↑ Top
Davis Energy Group (DEG) developed two air-conditioning technologies designed to save energy and trim utility bills. "NightBreeze" combines conventional heating/cooling equipment and advanced predictive controls to automatically ventilate homes at night. Testing showed that cooling costs dropped as much as 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 costs as much as 20%. With SmartMesh-XR wireless networking systems, 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.
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD)↑ Top
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) will save more than 5.5 million
kWh by installing 14 premium efficiency motors with variable frequency
drives at a recycled water pump station and groundwater desalination
facility. EMWD also installed a cogeneration system and continues to
upgrade its digester gas production system. (Digester gas is a byproduct
of the wastewater treatment process.) One such upgrade reduced
electrical demand by 574 kW at a reclamation facility.
Fat Spaniel Technologies↑ Top
Fat Spaniel Technologies provides Web- based energy management software to help customers identify energy wasting equipment and evaluate the impact of various efficiency activities, including shifting or shedding electricity load during peak hours. The program, which also specializes in monitoring and modeling photovoltaic systems, transforms raw energy data into dynamic, easy-to-understand presentations for the Web. Fat Spaniel's own facilities incorporate energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Field Diagnostic Services, Inc.↑ Top
Field Diagnostic Services, Inc. developed an automated fault detection
and diagnostic system (AFDD) for heating, ventilating and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment. The AFDD can reduce annual electricity bills by
$400 -$1,000 at sites with several 5-10 ton units. Developed with Purdue
University, the wireless embedded monitoring system automatically
notifies commercial building owners and managers when HVAC
maintenance is needed or problems arise. The system has a projected
payback of less than 24 months.
Finelite, Inc.↑ Top
Finelite helps schools save 30-50% on energy usage through an
integrated classroom lighting system (ICLS). The ICLS consists of efficient
T8 fluorescent lights, electronic ballasts, reflective fixture material and
easy, low-voltage plug-and-play wiring that minimizes installation costs.
The ICLS also improves indoor lighting levels and provides teachers with
flexible, centralized controls. Finelite's ICLS performs 25% better than
California's tough energy efficiency standards.
Fortuna High School↑ Top
Fortuna High School helped local businesses save 40,000 kWh and $10,000 on their utility bills through lighting upgrades and in collaboration with Strategic Energy Innovations. Students received training in energy analysis and auditing as participants in California Green Schools, a program designed to help schools use less energy and provide energy efficiency education. In 2005, students in the Fortuna Awareness for
Communities About Energy program outreached to 19 local businesses.
Fundamental Foods↑ Top
Fundamental Foods, a small food manufacturing business, cut electricity
use 35% in 2005. The company replaced T12 fluorescent lights with T8 lights, saving almost $4,000. The replacement also improved the quality of illumination. To help keep cooling costs low, an energy-efficient attic fan was installed to remove hot air.
Gap Inc.↑ Top
Gap Inc.'s 297 California stores have cut electricity usage 27%, since 2001, by implementing simple design improvements. Gap set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 11% per sq. ft., between 2003 and 2008, by installing energy-efficient equipment and lights, maintaining
"closed door" policies to conserve cooled air and reducing after-hours lighting. Features such as efficient conveyance systems, operable windows, under-floor ventilation and green roofs save thousands of kilowatt-hours at Gap headquarters and distribution centers.
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 heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Utility cost savings and contractor financing funded the project, which is expected to achieve payback in about one year.
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.
Hayward Lumber↑ Top
Hayward Building Systems' flagship manufacturing facility in Santa Maria exceeds California's tough energy standards by more than 40%. A host of energy-efficient technologies and design features - including a high efficiency HVAC system, natural light and on-demand water heaters - contribute to the savings. A 14,000-sq.-ft. photovoltaic system
satisfies more than 50% of the facility's power needs.
Hilton↑ Top
Hilton Hotels has saved more than 10.3 million kWh since 2004 by improving the efficiency of many Southern California DoubleTree, Embassy Suites and Hilton hotels. Savings stem from installation of T8 fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), energy-efficient chillers and other efficient HVAC system equipment, light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs, walk-in refrigeration gaskets and programmable
thermostats. Hilton also partnered with its utility to test bathroom occupancy sensors with LED night lights. In testing situations, electricity usage for bathroom lighting was reduced 40%.
Hyatt↑ Top
Hyatt Hotels Corporation saved more than 9.4 million kWh since 2004 by improving the efficiency of seven of its Southern California hotels. Savings stem from use of T8s and CFLs, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and programmable thermostats. Hyatt partnered with its utility and the California Water Department to test connectionless steamers in its kitchen. The steamers deliver energy and water savings.
Intel Corporation↑ Top
Intel Corporation's new energy-efficient computer chips could save
consumers worldwide $1 billion each year. The chips, which will be
released in 2006, use as little as 5 watts for portable computers, 65
watts for desktop computers and 80 watts for server computers.
(A standard desktop computer consumes 120 watts when idle.) In
addition to the chips, Intel is collaborating on new technology that
could boost laptop battery life by 30%.
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 integrated circuits and integrated
power systems reduce energy waste in motors - the single largest
consumer of electricity. Motors power appliances, air conditioners,
industrial pumps and equipment. The advanced technology IR
develops can also be used to make more efficient lighting and
hybrid automobiles.
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development↑ Top
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development's new lab in La Jolla exceeds California's energy efficiency standards by 18%. Efficient technologies installed include window glazing and
shades, variable speed drives and lights that are all less than 60 watts. A 2,200-kW cogeneration system supplies 95% of electricity and operates heating and cooling. The facility is also water efficient, reducing usage by 11 million gallons annually. The new lab has been certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Leach Corporation↑ Top
Leach International has reduced electricity consumption by 12% since 2004. The Buena Park company installed a new compressor and a 45,000-sq.-ft. cool roof, saving more than 496,000 kWh. The new
compressor alone reduced the company's peak demand by 43 kW. This past summer, Leach completed a lighting retrofit that will save an estimated 104,000 kWh annually.
LEDtronics, Inc.↑ Top
LEDtronics' light-emitting diodes (LEDs) help Los Angeles Harbor's
Vincent Thomas Bridge save $4,000 in energy costs annually. Over
their lifetime, the 160 20-watt LEDs that adorn the bridge will save,
compared to incandescent lights, $184,000 in energy costs and
$500,000 more in labor and replacement lamps. A 4.5-kW-photovoltaic
system located near the bridge offsets the remaining electricity
operating costs.
Limoneira Company↑ Top
Limoneira Company trimmed 33% from its peak-energy demand. The agricultural producer, packer and shipper adjusted summer operating schedules - moving its early shift to 5 a.m. and the washing and storing processes to off-peak hours - so that far less electricity was used during peak hours. Limoneira also installed energy-efficient refrigeration doors, HVAC equipment and T8 fluorescent lights with
motion sensors, which increased light levels by 50%, yet cut costs by 50%.
Lumileds Lighting, LLC↑ Top
Lumileds Lighting's Luxeon light-emitting diode (LED) products
generate as much as 60 times more light than similar products. A
Luxeon LED can operate for 12 hours a day and last more than a
decade. These lights are commonly found in traffic signals - a signal
using Luxeon LEDs uses 90% less electricity than an incandescent signal.
Marriott International↑ Top
Marriott Hotels saved more than 10.4 million kWh since 2004 by improving the efficiency of many Southern California Courtyard, Residence Inn, Renaissance and Marriott hotels. Saving stem from use of T8 lights and CFLs, energy-efficient chillers and other efficient HVAC system equipment, LED exit signs, walk-in refrigeration gaskets, programmable thermostats, and retro-commissioning existing building systems. Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa partnered with its utility to test bathroom occupancy sensors with LED nightlights, which reduced bathroom lighting electricity 40%.
Menlo Worldwide Logistics ↑ Top
Menlo Worldwide Logistics is on track to save $89,000 annually and 46% (more than 500,000 kWh) of its total electricity usage, based on one quarter's savings data, through a comprehensive lighting retrofit. The company not only replaced or upgraded every fixture in its Fremont
distribution center, it also added infrared occupancy sensors, placed photocells next to skylights for daylight harvesting, and replaced incandescent exit signs with light-emitting diode (LED) signs.
National Diversified Sales↑ Top
National Diversified Sales (NDS) reduced electricity use by 2 million kWh
annually through the installation of variable speed drives on older injection
molding machines. This year, NDS added variable speed drives to
six more injection molding machines, saving an additional 682,000 kWh,
while reducing cooling needs of each machine. NDS, a manufacturer
of commercial, landscape and irrigation drainage products, also
participated in demand response programs.
North Marin Water District (NMWD)↑ Top
North Marin Water District (NMWD) shaved its peak electricity demand 40% (roughly 280 kW) in 2005. The demand reduction stemmed largely from NMWD's shifting of pump activity to off-peak hours. The district, which serves approximately 57,000 customers in and around Novato,
has also completed several efficiency upgrades and now uses variable speed drives on motors and pumps and efficient lights throughout its 31,000 sq. ft. of facilities. Together, the upgrades save 282,000 kWh and nearly $96,000 annually.
Owens Corning↑ Top
Owens Corning saved more than 10.5 million kWh at its 2,000,000-sq.-ft.
Santa Clara manufacturing facility. After a plant-wide energy audit, the company worked with its utility and the Department of Energy to install state-of-the-art technologies that reduce horsepower requirements for its manufacturing processes. Owens Corning also upgraded furnace insulation. The company's insulation products contribute minimal
emissions to indoor environments, and can reduce heating or cooling costs by 30% annually.
P-R Farms, Inc.↑ Top
P-R Farms saved 180,000 kWh and more than $200,000 by replacing
lighting and optimizing refrigeration and process equipment at its
Clovis plant. P-R Farms replaced metal-halide lights with efficient T8
fluorescent lights, installed variable speed drives to refrigeration and
fruit-handling equipment, installed an energy management system
to monitor temperature in each cold storage area and doubled
condenser capacity to lower compressor head pressure. P-R Farms
also utilizes a rooftop 1,000-kW photovoltaic system.
Pacific Sales↑ Top
Pacific Sales estimates that 60% of its washing machine sales are
ENERGY STAR®-labeled models. The company aggressively promotes
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances in its 14 Southern California
showrooms and through print and television ads. Pacific Sales staff
distributed materials with information on available utility rebates and
explained to customers the potential energy and cost savings of
ENERGY STAR appliances.
Paramount Citrus, Inc.↑ Top
Paramount Citrus saved $200,000 and cut electricity usage 14%, compared to 2004, by upgrading lights and refrigeration. Throughout its 200,000-sq.-ft. citrus packing plant, the company installed high-bay T5 fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts and photocells, and added new refrigeration systems. The upgrades will help Paramount save
more than 2 million kWh per year.
Petaluma Poultry↑ Top
Petaluma Poultry's energy efficiency improvements saved 1.37 million kWh and 348 kW in 2005. Savings stem from the installation of 4,480 compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), 106 efficient ventilation fans, eight energy-efficient motors, eight variable speed drives, and an energy
management system at facilities in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Petaluma Poultry will expand efforts to include additional measures and, by the end of 2006, expects to save a total of 3.1 million kWh and 759 kW.
PetSmart Incorporated↑ Top
PetSmart cut its total electricity use 15% by retrofitting lighting at 35 of its Southern California stores. By switching from high-bay metal halide lights to efficient T8 fluorescent lights, the company saved more than 3.5 million kWh annually. The change also slashed PetSmart's annual electricity bill by more than $290,000. In addition to the lighting upgrades, PetSmart has added energy management systems to its stores nationwide.
Pfizer Inc.↑ Top
Pfizer lnc's electricity and natural gas use decreased 16% and 50%, respectively. After auditing its San Diego campus, Pfizer made several efficiency improvements, including optimizing the ventilation system
and adjusting the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system temperature settings. Pfizer also educated employees and recruited researchers to help save energy by closing fume hoods
when not in use. Pfizer will save an estimated $1 million in 2005.
Pine Creek Properties↑ Top
Pine Creek Properties renovated its Santa Rosa facility to be Northern California's first zero-energy commercial complex. Efficient features of the 50,000-sq.-ft. facility - which houses a school, ballet studio and church - include 500 T8 fluorescent lights, energy-efficient parking lot lights, energy-efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment, motion sensors, skylights and a 200-kW photovoltaic system. Pine Creek also replaced the 4,000-sq.-ft. lawn with trees and shrubs to cut energy and water use.
Porterville Citrus↑ Top
Porterville Citrus saved $50,000 in utility costs by upgrading its 145,000-sq.-ft. cold storage facility in Terra Bella. Sequencers were added to the refrigeration system, reducing peak demand by 100 kW and electricity use by 215,000 kWh. More retrofits are under way - including installation of a variable speed drive air compressor system and a cool roof. When completed, the upgrades will eliminate an additional 20 kW of energy demand and reduce equipment run times.
Poway Unified School District↑ Top
Poway Unified School District (PUSD) saved more than 720,000 kWh and $95,000 in utility costs by installing management software for its computers. The computer network had previously consumed 6%
($333,000) of PUSD's annual electricity budget. New Verdiem's Surveyor software - installed on 5,200 computers - reduced computer network consumption by 36%. The energy cost savings and rebate funding give the system payback in less than six months.
Power Integrations↑ Top
Power Integrations saves consumers more than $1 million every day. The
company's integrated circuits (ICs) increase the efficiency of common
household, office and industrial electronic devices. The power supplies
of products using the company's ICs operate at efficiency levels
exceeding 80% in active mode and 75% when in standby mode. Since
1998, Power Integration's ICs have saved more than 11 billion kWh
and, worldwide, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 7 million tons.
Prime Wheel Corporation↑ Top
Prime Wheel Corporation reduced total energy use 15%, saving an estimated 7 million kWh in 2005, by optimizing and upgrading components of its
compressed-air system. In addition to making other changes, the company installed efficient two-stage compressors and a central control system, which reduced electricity use by the compressed air system 37%. Prime Wheel also added variable speed drives to its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system and energy-efficient lights with sensors at its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility
Regents of the University of California↑ Top
The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems jointly launched an energy efficiency program that aims to save 18.4 million kWh, 2,700 kW of electrical demand and 860,000 therms of natural gas across 33 campuses. Administered in partnership
with the state's utilities and overseen by the UC Board of Regents and CSU Board of Trustees, the $15 million program will train energy managers to identify and implement changes and showcase results.
S. Martinelli & Company↑ Top
S. Martinelli & Company saved more than 700,000 kWh and $86,000 on its electric bill by retrofitting lights; installing skylights, motion sensors and an energy management system; and upgrading its air compression systems at two facilities. In total, S. Martinelli & Co. has cut its annual
electricity use 13% in 2005 (compared to 2004). S. Martinelli & Co. is a participant in the Monterey County Green Business Program and is working to become certified as a green business.
San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO)↑ Top
The San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) used 20% less electricity in 2005 than in 2003, despite adding staff and equipment. SDREO is a nonprofit organization that provides energy education and services. To set an example within its own facilities, SDREO added an energy management system, installed highly efficient lights, removed inefficient vending machines and appliances, and adjusted lighting and temperature controls. Staff members turn off lights and office equipment when not in use.
San Gabriel Valley Water Company↑ Top
San Gabriel Valley Water Co. uses energy-efficient technology to remove
pollutants from water. As part of its longstanding commitment to using
the best available energy saving technologies, San Gabriel installed
high-tech ultraviolet equipment at its water treatment facilities in the
district, helping to save 4 million kWh and roughly $75,000 annually
since 2003. San Gabriel also participated in a demand response
program and trimmed 7,400 kW of demand.
San Juan Capistrano Unified School District↑ Top
Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) saves more than 320,000 kWh annually by using software that automatically powers down computer monitors, decreasing operating hours 30%. Total savings amounted to more than $4,000 a month. Financial savings also included reduced
cooling costs because fewer monitor operating hours meant less heat was generated. CUSD plans to install the software on more than 10,700 computers by the end of the 2005-06 school year.
San Mateo County Community College District↑ Top
San Mateo County Community College District cut energy use 56%,
saving more than 7.2 million kWh and $1 million, helping the state
eliminate 3,200 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2005. Savings stem
from efficiency improvements, including efficient lighting and
cogeneration units that reuse waste heat from onsite electricity
generation to provide heating, to 55 buildings across three campuses.
All new construction is as much as 42% more energy-efficient than
California's tough energy standards require.
Seagate Technology LLC↑ Top
Seagate Technology reduced electricity usage 11% at its Fremont-
Milpitas facilities even though production increased in 2005. An
innovative water reclamation system saves more than 12 million gallons
of fresh water annually, reducing the need for electricity. Seagate
Technology also saved energy by installing variable speed drives
and a high-efficiency evaporative cooler in its heating, ventilating
and air conditioning (HVAC) system. All energy efficiency policies are
part of Seagate Technology's "Global Citizenship" program.
Siemens Building Technologies↑ Top
Siemens Building Technologies helped its California customers save 27 million kWh and reduced their utility bills by $3.8 million in 2004. Siemens Building Technologies worked on 10 projects, totaling more than 5 million sq. ft. At a San Diego naval facility, the company installed two energy-efficient chillers, which utilize oil-free compressors and are 20-30% more efficient than conventional chillers. Other benefits include increased reliability, reduced maintenance costs and quieter operation.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort↑ Top
Snow Valley Mountain Resort installed new snow-making equipment
and reduced electricity use 70%. Energy is one of the resort's biggest
operating costs. In 2000, Snow Valley replaced its 9,500-kW snowmaking
system with an innovative, energy-efficient 3,500-kW system. Since
then, the machine has saved 7.2 million kWh.
Sony Metreon↑ Top
Metreon has cut power consumption by 39% for an annual savings
of $750,000 since 2001 (based on 2000 levels). Metreon integrated
energy management controls, occupancy sensors and efficient T8
fluorescent lights into its more than 390,000-sq.-ft. entertainment complex
in downtown San Francisco. Metreon also installed new ventilation
systems that operate based on demand, delivering energy savings
by tailoring airflow to occupancy levels in its 16 theaters.
Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI)↑ Top
Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI), a nonprofit organization, educates students, small-business owners, school districts and cities about energy efficiency. Through its Awareness for Communities about Energy (ACE) program, SEI trains students to audit small businesses and homes and
to recommend high-impact efficiency upgrades. As of August 2005, students had surveyed more than 150 small businesses and 70 homes in Humboldt, Marin and Sonoma counties. Recommended efficiency upgrades could save more than 423,000 kWh and $56,000 annually.
Sweaney Construction, Inc.↑ Top
Sweaney Construction, Inc. emphasizes energy efficiency in its custombuilt
homes. The Bakersfield-based company installs energy-efficient
cooling systems and insulates exterior walls and ceilings with more
efficient insulation than required by California's tough energy standards.
Sweaney also ensures that all ducts are properly and tightly sealed
- duct leaks can account for 30% of a home's energy costs.
Toyota Plaza↑ Top
Toyota Plaza has cut electricity usage 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.
Union Bank of California - San Diego Branch↑ Top
Union Bank of California earned ENERGY STAR® labels for three of its California locations. The bank reduced electricity usage by 4.2 million kWh (nearly 14%) across its more than 300 branches and 5 million sq. ft. of office space in 2004. Since 1998, Union Bank of California has
retrofitted lights, installed computer controls, adjusted thermostat settings, turned off or reduced non-essential lighting and signage, and controlled dusk-to-dawn lights with photocells.
University of California, Irvine (UCI)↑ Top
University of California, Irvine (UCI) saved 930,000 kWh in 2005 by installing CFLs and light-emitting diode (LED) lights in elevators, and T8 fluorescent lights, occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats in campus buildings. UCI also initiated building commissioning and energy conservation programs. The UC system directs individual campuses to
invest in energy efficiency and renewable fuels, and all new UC buildings are designed to meet standards equivalent to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified rating.
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,
renters, apartment managers and homebuilders to model how energyefficient
design and renovation could save energy and dollars. The tool,
called Home Energy Efficient Design (HEED), allows customers to create
3-D models of their homes to learn about its energy performance and
to explore design improvements such as wall insulation, roof coating and
new windows. Since its launch two years ago, HEED has been used by
thousands of homeowners.
Ventura County↑ Top
Ventura County saved 904,000 kWh, reduced demand by 150 kW and lowered annual utility costs by $96,000 by installing premium efficient motors, variable frequency drives and T8 fluorescent lights in select buildings. Improvements include the installations of high efficiency fan motors at the County Government Center and a variable speed drive to an electric chiller at Todd Road Jail. Respectively, the installations are saving 38,600 kWh and 270,000 kWh annually.
Washington Mutual (WaMu)↑ Top
Washington Mutual (WaMu) saved more than 1.5 million kWh in 2004
by replacing lights in all 950 California properties with T8 fluorescent
lights and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). These changes reduced
utility bills by an estimated 12%. WaMu has also upgraded chillers,
pumps and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units
to more efficient models at several properties. WaMu also offered
6,000 kW to demand response programs in 2004 and 2005.
Wells Fargo & Company↑ Top
Wells Fargo in 2000 set a goal of reducing energy consumption 20% by year-end 2001. Since then, the company has implemented an energy management plan and launched a series of efficiency projects
including lighting retrofits and HVAC upgrades. In the Concord branch, one chiller upgrade saved the company an estimated 397,000 kWh annually. In the first half of 2005, energy use was down roughly 21% (relative to 2000 figures).
Western Insulfoam↑ Top
Western Insulfoam's energy efficiency efforts in 2005 saved more than 264,000 therms at its Chino plant. The company installed a new boiler and a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO), which is used to
safely and efficiently incinerate chemical waste. The RTO uses an advanced preheating system and saves the company more than $207,000 annually.
Westfield Corp↑ Top
Westfield Corporation retrofitted lighting at six Southern California malls and
saved more than 4.6 million kWh since 2004. Westfield installed LED exit signs, high-intensity discharge lights and compact fluorescent lights. The Westfield Shoppingtown in Palm Desert saved more than 1.2 million kWh alone. Westfield is working with its utility and the State to test a precooling system that may further reduce energy demand at the company's malls.
Winesecrets↑ Top
Winesecrets introduces energy-saving technologies for 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. With support
from utilities and the California Energy Commission, Winesecrets is demonstrating STARS to the wine industry. If adopted by all California wineries, STARS could save 24 million kWh each year. Winesecrets also
has developed low-energy processes that reduce wine pH levels.