SoCalGas to provide water, energy conservation solutions to reach carbon emissions goals by 2045

SoCal Gas announced Tuesday that it would implement several measures to conserve water and energy as part of its plan to meet net-zero carbon emission goals by 2045.

The company said it recently completed its 22nd Xeriscaping project at a facility in Oxnard, Calif. Xeriscaping is a landscape style that requires little to no irrigation. It integrates the utility’s operations in reducing its environmental footprint through biodiversity, improving air quality, and reducing stress on natural resources. Additionally, the company said it has employed LED retrofit projects to reduce energy and maintenance costs.

“SoCalGas’ decision to adopt xeriscaping and LED lighting are just a few of the many initiatives designed to promote sustainability and help reduce our environmental impact,” said Brenton Guy, director of support services at SoCalGas. “It’s important that we do our part internally within our company and externally for our communities. These projects have the potential to serve as long-lasting conservation solutions that will help protect and promote sustainability in Southern California.”

The company said water usage at the Oxnard facility accounted for approximately 20 percent of the facility’s energy usage. Xeriscaped landscapes need little to no water beyond what nature provides, saving water and energy while reducing waste. Xeriscaping at the San Dimas Customer Call Center facility is expected to reduce that facility’s yearly water usage by 60 percent, or an estimated 1.6 million gallons of water annually. At the Playa Del Rey facility, officials expect to save more than $5,000 a month in water and maintenance fees and reduce the company’s water consumption by an estimated 3.3. million gallons per year.

The company has completed xeriscaping projects at 22 facilities since 2016 and has another 40 remaining to be xeriscaped. Five additional projects are slated for completion in the next eight years.

The company has also implemented LED retrofit projects throughout its facilities since 2008 to reduce energy and maintenance costs. The utility has completed interior LED lighting projects in 24 facilities with 43 left. Exterior parking lot upgrades have been completed at 48 facilities, with 14 remaining.

The Redlands facility recently completed upgrades earlier this year to retrofit more than 1,100 fixtures for an estimated savings of 80,000 kWh per year.