SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Achieving a healthier future takes the commitment of an entire community, which is why today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) honored eight local area businesses who are leading the way in implementing innovative solutions to reduce their energy use. The annual Energy Champion Awards recognizes forward-thinking businesses that have made significant achievements in energy efficiency, sustainability and conservation, as they partner with SDG&E to support the region's efforts to build healthier communities.
"Today is about recognizing the businesses that work hard each and every day to reduce their energy use and create a better and more sustainable future for our region," said Caroline Winn, chief operating officer for SDG&E. "The businesses being recognized have shown real results – they are proof that embracing innovative solutions leads to more efficient use of energy, and we're proud to have played a role in helping them achieve success."
The signature Energy Showcase award, the 2017 Grand Energy Champion, was presented to Sharp HealthCare for its continuous commitment to implementing energy efficiency measures that not only result in monetary savings for the business but also help protect the planet. Sharp HealthCare was the first non-profit healthcare leader in San Diego to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure at three of its locations, saving its employees and patients approximately 3,700 gallons of fuel in 2016 – the equivalent of about 20,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
"SDG&E has been a critical partner in reducing our energy usage," said Donna Serpico-Thompson, vice president of business development at Sharp HealthCare. "Every dollar saved is used to benefit the communities that we serve."
In addition, the following local organizations were recognized for their outstanding energy efficiency efforts during today's awards ceremony:
- Entertainment: Hollywood Casino Jamul – San Diego
- Hospitality: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
- K-12 Schools: San Diego Unified School District
- Manufacturing: CP Kelco – A Huber Company
- Non-profit: Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank
- Small Business: Añejo Bar & Grill
- Sports Venue: San Diego Ice Arena
The commendable efforts of these eight businesses not only saved more than 6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and 10,866 therms of natural gas — enough to power nearly 455 homes — but the effects are tangible throughout the community. One example is the San Diego Food Bank, whose energy savings will allow them to provide 875,000 additional meals to those in need and puts them on the path to becoming the greenest food bank in America. Watch videos highlighting the success stories of the Energy Champions at sdge.com/energyshowcase.
SDG&E's annual free Energy Showcase at the San Diego Convention Center is attended by hundreds of people and businesses in the community. This year, more than 70 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge technologies and smart solutions to help business and residential customers save energy and money. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn how to join the more than 24,000 electric vehicle drivers or be one of the over 110,000 customers with private solar in the County.
If you're a business owner and would like to learn more on how to save, visit sdge.com/good4biz for more information on ways to save money every day or call the Energy Savings Center at 800-644-6133 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to talk to an energy service specialist.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides safe, reliable, clean energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. More than 4,000 employees work to provide the cleanest and most reliable energy in the West. The company was the first to meet California's goal of delivering 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, has fueled the adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency through unique customer programs, and supports a number of non-profit partners. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.
SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)