News from EMWD
In recognition of its ongoing energy conservation efforts, The Climate Registry and Southern California Edison have honored Eastern Municipal Water District with the Cool Planet Award, it was announced this week.
EMWD was honored in the water and wastewater sector and was one of four organizations to be presented with the Cool Planet Award.
“Our energy conservation efforts are not about winning awards, but are aimed at doing the right thing to protect our ratepayers and our environment,” EMWD Board of Directors President Joseph Kuebler said. “That being said, we take great pride in the recognition we receive for doing the right thing.
“We are extremely grateful and appreciative of this honor and will continue to pursue all conservation efforts so that we can continue to reduce our impact on the environment for years to come.”
Over the past several years, EMWD has implemented a number of programs aimed at reducing its energy usage and carbon footprint.
EMWD is nearing completion on its Energy Management Reporting System that will compare and report energy use per acre foot of water delivered through its 80-plus pumping facilities and water treatment plants.
The system will allow EMWD to be proactive in its maintenance and identify energy inefficiencies which can be improved.
EMWD has organized and implemented several environmental projects and in 2010 the agency received a Clean Air Award for Advancement of Clean Technology from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
In 2009, GPS units were installed in all EMWD fleet vehicles, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 598 tons from March 2010 through April 2012. An employee carpool program has helped reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 116 tons during the 2011 calendar year.
“We are extremely proud to be presented with this honor,” said Dan Howell, EMWD’s Director of Purchasing and Contracts, who also oversees a majority of the District’s energy efficiency efforts.
“EMWD is fully committed to energy conservation and doing our part to protect the environment.”
