Santa Barbara County received praise for taking a proactive approach to energy conservation at the 2010 Green Business Recognition Program on Feb. 5.
Officials for the Southern California Gas Company handed the 2009 Energy Smart Award to 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno and 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf during a presentation at the Santa Maria Inn.
“This is an important award for us as it recognizes the county for its ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and to help protect the environment,” Wolf said in a press release. “It shows we are following our own recommendations. By accepting this award, it is our hope that the county’s actions will inspire others to follow our efforts and seek ways to make smart energy choices.”
According to Gas Company spokesman Tim Mahoney, the county earned the award for going the extra mile in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
“The county has done quite a bit in all three of those areas,” he said.
Mahoney said the occasion marks the first time the county has won the Energy Smart award, handed out annually to individuals, businesses, and government entities.
Company officials recognized the county for incorporating solar power, energy efficient lighting, and drought-tolerant landscaping in the Public Works building in Santa Maria.
The county was also commended for saving $240,000 in 2009 by replacing lower-usage florescent bulbs in county buildings, retrofitting the ventilation system at the County Administration building, and for generating electricity through the conversion of methane gas from the Tajiguas landfill.
Through periodic audits, Mahoney said, the Gas Company works with the county to obtain rebates and incentives when boilers or other equipment need to be replaced.
This article appears in Feb 11-18, 2010.