VENTURA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The City of Ventura has been awarded membership in the Cool Planet Project, due to its extensive energy saving measures. These actions have reduced the city's annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 14 percent since 2007, the equivalent of removing 380 vehicles from the road. The Cool Planet Project recognizes outstanding environmental achievements from organizations throughout Southern California and is hosted by Southern California Edison and The Climate Registry.
"Cutting energy costs, protecting the environment, and conserving natural resources has been a focus of the City of Ventura for many years," said Mike Tracy, City of Ventura Mayor.
As part of the City of Ventura's environmental stewardship, the city has recently initiated energy efficiency projects that will save over 750,000 kilowatt-hours annually, including switching 500 streetlights to LED technology; installing energy efficient lighting at the Police/Fire Headquarters, fire stations, parking lots and public parks; and replacing the heating and air conditioning system at City Hall. These recent efforts add to the 12 million kilowatt-hours and $1.7 million already being saved annually through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
"We applaud the efforts of the City of Ventura to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt policies and programs that address climate change and promote sustainability," said Gene Rodrigues, Director of Energy Efficiency at Southern California Edison.
The City of Ventura plans to install solar photovoltaic panels behind City Hall, which will provide the main City Hall Building with approximately 75% of its total electricity needs for the next 30 years. The project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 210 metric tons annually, which is the equivalent of planting 45 acres of trees. Construction on the system will begin in early winter and should be completed by July 2012.
THE CITY OF VENTURA was founded in 1782 and is one of the oldest towns in California. The land area of Ventura is 53,076 sq. kilometers. The City government is comprised of 10 departments with over 600 employees that provide a full range of services to 109,000 residents. Ventura features beaches, a public pier and a 274-acre multiple use recreational and commercial fishing small craft harbor. www.cityofventura.net
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON is the largest electric utility in California, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.8 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California. www.sce.com
THE CLIMATE REGISTRY is California's voluntary greenhouse gas registry providing tools for organizations to measure, manage and reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. www.theclimateregistry.org
Nancy Whalen
Direct: 323.788.8400
The Climate Registry
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