Nov 25 2009
Southern California Edison’s new service center in Wildomar has been awarded LEED platinum certification — the highest designation available to buildings that demonstrate energy efficiency and sustainability.
The buildings on the 19-acre complex at the service center in Wildomar are 39 percent more energy efficient than similar structures
The recently opened service center in Wildomar is the first California investor-owned utility facility to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification and one of only 36 buildings in California to achieve that designation. The U.S. Green Building Council is a national organization that certifies green buildings.
“Southern California Edison is proud that the service center in Wildomar received LEED platinum certification,” said Cecil House, SCE senior vice president, operations support, and chief procurement officer. “This certification demonstrates SCE’s commitment to sustainability and to the communities it serves. The building complex is a model of energy efficiency, is environmentally friendly and is vital to providing optimum service to our customers in southern Riverside County.”
SCE’s Wildomar service center received 53 LEED points for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Points were awarded for optimizing energy performance, using low-emitting materials for carpeting, paint and sealants and water efficient landscaping. In addition, points were awarded for recycled content, using materials from the region in construction and alternative transportation options for employees.
The 19-acre complex, now home to nearly 300 employees, is 39 percent more energy efficient than similar buildings. The sustainable building, powered by solar panels, was built to stringent LEED standards.
State-of-the-art energy efficiency lighting allows for 90 percent of the interior spaces to have a line of sight to the outdoors. In addition, controls automatically raise and lower lighting levels based on natural light levels during the day. Among the water conservation features are low water demand landscaping and an underground water purification system that releases cleaner water into the environment. Saving water conserves both water and electricity.
“Southern California Edison’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The urgency of the U.S. Green Building Council’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and SCE serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”
Having hundreds of people working in Wildomar, which has been impacted by tough economic times, is helping put money into the local economy, from patronizing restaurants to gas stations. The location of the new service center also allows SCE crews to more quickly respond to areas such as Temecula, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake. The crews previously were based in San Jacinto.
The new service center also allows SCE to be a part of the community in a different way — it has a community room for public meetings that can accommodate nearly 270 people.
Source: http://www.edison.com/