What do a church, car wash, golf course, retirement community and chain of Taco Bells have in common? They are each sustainability standouts in the Valley of the Sun and, among other local businesses, recognized by Salt River Project for truly improving the community by conserving resources and energy.

Today, SRP hosted its fifth annual Champions of Energy Efficiency Awards and Luncheon. The distinctive event honors top commercial energy savers for their ongoing commitment to energy efficiency. SRP honored 18 innovative Valley businesses for saving money and conserving resources by implementing improvements such as switching to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, upgrading air conditioning units and teaching employees to go green.

 “SRP is committed to help businesses become more energy efficient by providing rebates for thousands of projects that our customers submit,” said Dan Dreiling, SRP director of Market Research and Customer Programs. “These companies serve as excellent examples for other businesses to follow by collaborating with SRP to make changes that yield big rewards in conservation efforts.”

SRP’s energy efficiency programs are essential to the success of SRP’s Sustainable Portfolio and 2035 Sustainability Goals, www.srpnet.com/2035, because decreasing energy use also helps reduce emissions and save money by deferring the need for future additional energy generation.                                      SRP team members work year-round with businesses, municipalities and organizations of all sizes and in almost every industry to identify ways to conserve precious resources, cut costs and adapt to new technology. Because of this commitment to partnership, SRP surpassed its energy efficiency goals for a sixth consecutive year. Last year, the programs for both residential and commercial customers provided annual energy savings equal to 2.14 percent of SRP’s retail energy sales that resulted in a savings of 628,467 megawatt-hours, which is equivalent to powering more than 35,000 homes for one year.

2018 Champions of Energy Efficiency Award Winners

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Honors businesses that excel in implementing energy-efficient technologies in their facilities to achieve among the highest energy savings compared to similar sized and types of businesses or organizations. 

Large Business

BAE Systems
In the last year, BAE Systems implemented several sustainable systems such as LED fixtures, occupancy switches and natural lighting, which increased the office lighting by 50 percent while reducing energy consumption. BAE Systems also recycled by donating its old lighting fixtures. The company promotes “power down” weekends and encourages employees to turn off electronics. BAE Systems even implemented bilingual recycle stations and quizzes to help employees keep more products out of the landfill. Along with donations to non-profits, the company has reach a 56 percent waste-diversion rate.   

JP Morgan Chase and Company

To meet its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2020, JP Morgan Chase has taken several sustainability steps. It installed retrofit LED lights in many branches, reducing energy demand by 10 percent at respective locations. Retrofits also are planned at sites across SRP territory by the end of 2018. Along with Bio PSM installations and building management systems, the expected annual energy savings is about 47 percent or more than 19 million dollars. JP Morgan Chase also has solar projects planned at properties across the globe, helping to reduce total carbon emissions by more than 260 thousand metric tons.

Mid-size Business

Leisure World

Energy efficiency can be seen everywhere at Leisure World, from the tinted windows to the programmable thermostats and occupancy sensors. New air conditioning (a/c) units and water heaters boost mechanical efficiency, while white-coated roofs reduce heat. Little things also make a big difference in sustainability such as turning off lights when natural light can be used. At Leisure World, the thermostats are turned up a few degrees when no one is in a room. With all of their sustainability practices, the Mesa retirement community projects an annual 30 percent savings in energy.

Solar Junction

The semiconductor technology company is in the business of producing energy, so being energy efficient is essential. The company has made it a mission to consume as little energy and water as possible. Solar Junction is focused on both terrestrial and satellite solar power, as well as the development of next-generation lasers and detectors for consumer applications. The high-volume manufacturing facility installed energy-efficient semiconductor manufacturing equipment, as well as energy saving measures such as tinted windows and automatic light switches. It also invested heavily in sustainability upgrades while rebuilding infrastructure and systems: all exterior and interior lighting were replaced with LEDs, while motion sensors and timers control the lighting. Solar Junction’s cooling water chiller and four heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) handlers were replaced with energy efficient models, plus 14 variable-frequency drives were installed to help reduce power consumption. Through the implementation of the SRP rebate measures, Solar Junction anticipates a reduction in total power consumption of more than 30 percent.

Valued Business

BH Properties at the Islands Shopping Center

BH Properties relies on teamwork to run a sustainable property. It starts with the accounts payable department as they review utility bills and call attention to areas with a 15 percent increase. Area engineers are then dispatched to check the HVAC systems to make sure they are all running properly. At the same time, the engineers check for lights left on and water leaks. The property management company is also working with lighting suppliers to upgrade lighting fixtures to LEDs.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN WATER EFFICIENCY

NXP Semiconductors
To reduce costs across all facilities, NXP Semiconductors created the Apollo Program, which focuses on reduction of utility usage including electric, natural gas and water.  NXP engaged in projects related to reclaim water heater installations, equipment idling, equipment performance optimization, adding on-demand hardware instead of full time and more. These projects helped NXP reduce its annual water consumption by nearly 61.5 million gallons. The projects also helped shift the culture across the organization to one more attuned to cost and energy savings.

OUTSTANDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Recognizes businesses that have saved the highest percentage of energy based on their annual usage.

Large Business

Legacy Golf Resort

To be as energy efficient as possible and reduce its carbon footprint, Legacy Golf Resort has a green team on site. With the help of SRP, the green team made changes across the property that have led to an estimated – and impressive – 62 percent annual energy savings. Legacy Golf Resort started by converting lights to LED and CFL, while occupancy sensors help manage the lighting. HVAC units and all appliances were updated to models that are more efficient. To reduce water usage, low-flow showerheads and aerators were installed. Recycling also is encouraged for both employees and guests with bins placed throughout the property. 

Francis and Sons Car Wash

Francis and Sons is proving that small swaps can make a big difference in energy efficiency. The company invested heavily in LED technology to reduce its footprint, and it paid off. By replacing several different lighting-types and fixtures with LED lights, the company reduced watt usage by approximately 75 percent. It also replaced walk-in cooler condenser fan motors with more energy-efficient variable-speed motors, aiding in the energy reduction efforts. Overall, Francis and Sons estimates a 50 percent savings in annual energy use.

Mid-size Business

Coin Less Laundry

Coin Less Laundry is focused on being energy efficient and contributing to the community. Using available SRP rebates, the company installed LED lights inside, outside and within signage. Although front load efficient washing machines and natural gas dryers are in use, rigorous maintenance is necessary – and in place – to keep the machines working at optimal levels. Coin Less Laundry has begun replacing old motors in its a/c units with more energy-efficient models, as well as converting to tankless water heaters. With these steps in place, the company expects to see an annual energy savings of 51 percent.

St. Helen Roman Catholic Parish

St. Helen Roman Catholic Parish started its sustainability efforts at the top. It replaced the old roof and tiles with two-inch IsoBoard thermal insulation and DECRA metal roofing, which helps reflect the heat rather than absorb it. The parish also worked with SRP to convert external and internal lighting to LEDs by retrofitting existing fixtures. With these measures in place, St. Helen Roman Catholic Parish estimates an annual energy savings of 41 percent. Future sustainability plans include installing programmable thermostats and replacing older a/c units with more energy-efficient models.

Valued Business

Luna Parts

Luna Parts started its sustainability efforts by retrofitting all building lighting using the SRP program for small businesses. Next, it replaced a 20-year-old a/c unit with a smaller, more energy efficient unit. The third project was tackling the evaporative coolers. They were disassembled, cleaned, parts replaced and new water pumps and floaters installed. Now, Luna Parts only uses the evaporative coolers when needed. Employees keep lights off in most of the facility, expect when in use and recycle up to 50 boxes per week.

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE:

Honors companies for their ongoing commitment to energy efficiency. By leveraging the SRP rebate program year after year, these organizations build on their successes and accomplishments and continue to push sustainability into the future.

Penske Automotive Group

Sustainability does not have off hours, as the Penske Automotive team can attest to. The company worked with SRP to replace fluorescent lighting systems with more efficient LED lights. The process took some planning, as the installation had to be done during late nights, Sundays and holidays so business would not be interrupted. Several months later, the teams working in the Penske Automotive facilities were happy with the new lighting levels and regional management was happy with the energy and cost savings. Penske will save an estimated 18 percent of its annual energy consumption.

Westaco

Westaco Inc. wanted to reduce energy usage, so the second largest Taco Bell franchise in metro-Phoenix worked with SRP to determine its largest energy users. Westaco owns and operates 47 Taco Bells and found that its restaurants, a/c units and lights were its biggest energy zappers, so the company focused on running those more efficiently. First, thermostats were installed that could only be controlled by the home office in Scottsdale. This move shaved $500 a month off of summer electric bills. Westaco also zoned in on replacing old lighting with LED lighting, which is a big undertaking across all properties and is still in progress. Plus, all new and remodeled buildings now receive only LED lights inside and out. Between the a/c controls and LED lights, Westaco has saved both energy and capital. 

PEAK SAVINGS

Energy efficiency is a valuable resource SRP relies on to help manage the growth of its peak demand. The award recognizes the SRP Business Solutions Program participant and project that delivered the highest peak demand savings of all projects submitted.

CMC Steel Arizona
This year, CMC Steel reduce its energy demand by 728 kilowatts by focusing on two projects to help reduce energy usage during high demand times. First, it replaced 400-horsepower constant-flow pumps on the non-contract water system with variable frequency pumps, which greatly reduced system pressure. Then, the company replaced two, 250-horsepower contact water system pumps with one, more energy-efficient pump running at 400 horsepower. CMC Steel plans to continue its sustainability efforts next by retrofitting lighting fixtures to use LED. 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT SUSTAINABILITY

A holistic approach to sustainability is vital to our community and this award recognizes sustainable initiatives and attitudes embedded in an organization.

Alhambra Elementary School District

Alhambra Elementary School District thrives to lead the way in sustainability practices and behaviors and be a model for other elementary school districts around the state. The school district successfully reached its goals of reducing energy costs and educating students and teachers on how to be good stewards of the environment. Alhambra Elementary School District utilized the SRP Energy Efficiency Partner Program assessment to audit its energy management system, which led to district-wide installation of LED lighting, low-flow restroom fixtures and the design of a new energy-management system. Additional SRP programs such as Solar for Schools also assisted in lowering energy demand, while providing learning opportunities. The district is created a Sustainability Academy for teachers and students to learn the best practices for recycling, energy conservation and water conservation. School leaders say it has been rewarding for the students and teachers to see the cost savings associated with the Sustainability Academy and the array of energy-efficiency efforts. In fact, one school has seen an annual energy savings of more than 50 percent.

OUTSTANDING HOMEBUILDER:

SRP’s ENERGY STAR Homes® program certified more than 6,000 new homes last year. To learn more, visit savewithsrp.com. 

Fulton Homes

Fulton Homes certified 831 homes last year as part of the SRP ENERY STAR Homes® program – that is more than any other participating builder. The Energy Star label means homes are a better quality, more sustainable and provide more comfort. With an average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index score of 60, these homes are estimated to save more than five-million kilowatt hours, which is enough to power more than 400 homes. Additionally, Fulton Homes is the only homebuilder in the U.S. to win both the Indoor airPLUS Leader Award and ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award over the past three years, which places Fulton Homes in the top one percent of all 681 U.S. ENERGY STAR partners.

MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMMUNITY (HOMEBUILDER): As a participant in the ENERGY STAR Homes program, SRP awards the new home community built that, as a whole, is the most energy efficient.

Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) Real Estate Services

The South Phoenix Village Project proves that partnerships are essential in building an energy efficient future. With the help of SRP and Mandalay Homes, FSL Real Estate Services is making sustainable living an affordable option for Phoenix families. The project transformed 121 vacant lots into energy efficient, single-family homes at an affordable price point. FSL employees say SRP Energy Managers were with them every step of the way as they planned ways to increase the energy efficiency of the South Phoenix Village Homes. The homes incorporate a number of features that set a standard for single-family sustainability such as advanced framing that uses less lumber and spray foam insulation to make the homes about 50 percent more efficient than typical new builds. Hybrid water heaters are also installed, which use warm air from the garage to help heat the water. Homes also include features for the future, such as a conduit for adding solar panels and garages that are electric-vehicle ready.

MUNICIPALITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR:

SRP values partnerships with all of the municipalities in its service territory. It is vital to work together to provide energy efficiency solutions so residents and businesses can thrive. Communities depend on these partnerships and look to them as examples of how sustainability is interdependent.  

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) has a long-standing history in Arizona and it is working with SRP to make sure it is setting strong sustainability standards for the community to follow.

SRPMIC is committed to protecting and preserving the natural resources of its land so when it planned to build two new facilities, minimizing the impact on the environment was important. To accomplish its goals, SRPMIC leaned on SRP for assistance with two programs: the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification program and SRP’s New Construction Solutions program. Commitment to sustainability has paid off for the SRPMIC. Its new Justice and Way of Life facilities are both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Lighting improvements and controls, high performance glass, a smart chiller and energy management systems all helped achieve the certification. Together, the facilities are expected to save more than $160,000 in energy costs each year.

 “We are incredibly proud of these results and of the deeply rooted partnerships that continue to grow between SRP and organizations all across the Valley as we assist our customers in managing their energy consumption and achieving their own sustainability goals,” said Dreiling. “These partnerships and our energy efficiency programs enable us to continue delivering reliable, low-cost water and power to our customers just as we have for more than a century — and will continue to do in the century ahead.”

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest provider of electricity in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 1 million customers. SRP is also the metropolitan area’s largest supplier of water, delivering about 800,000 acre-feet annually to municipal, urban and agricultural water users.