Sustainability

EBMUD is committed to providing reliable, high quality drinking water and wastewater service through sustainable activities that avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects to the environment and the public.

Adopted in September 2008, a new policy outlines EBMUD’s approach to sustainability, which focuses on using resources (economic, environmental, and human) in a responsible manner that meets the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet the needs of tomorrow. This business approach applies a holistic view and strives to minimize waste; conserve energy and natural resources; promote long-term economic viability; support safety and well-being for employees, communities, and customers; and be beneficial to society.

The following are examples, with links to more information, of the District’s sustainable programs and staff efforts:

Stewardship of the San Francisco Bay and Natural Habitat

Residential Pollution Prevention Program
Commercial Pollution Prevention Program
Habitat Conservation and Restoration

Renewable Energy and Energy Reduction

Two renewable energy hydro-electric power plants at Pardee and Camanche dams produce 122 GWh of electricity annually since 1930 and 1983, respectively.

Solar panels at two District facilities produce 640 MWh of energy annually to offset electricity use at these facilities. Future sites are planned.

Biogas produced at the main wastewater treatment plant is turned into renewable energy and powers 90% of the energy used at the plant. This capability will be expanded to produce 100% of the plant’s energy needs by the end of 2010.

The co-generation system at the main Administration headquarters building produces and annual average of approximately 1,400 MWh of electricity since 2004 from natural gas and the excess heat generated is used to offset heating and cooling power needs.

Climate Protection and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Climate Mitigation Action Plan seeks to reduce the District impact on climate change.

The Alternative Commute Program, enacted in 1993, encourages District employees to use alternatives to single occupancy vehicles (e.g., carpools, bike to work, mass transit).

The District tracks greenhouse gas emissions per the California Climate Action Registry protocols.

The District’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the year 2000 baseline by 2015.

The District maintains an all hybrid sedan fleet.

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Reclaim and Conserve Natural Resources

The District’s recycling and waste management program encourages employees to recycle materials and supplies and is developing sustainable purchasing guidelines.

The District distributes recycled water to more than 50 customer sites including EBMUD’s Administrative Headquarters in Oakland and a variety of industrial and irrigation customers.

District facilities have water-saving fixtures.

Green Building

Several District facilities are certified as Green Businesses in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Sustainable practices and designs for new and existing facilities follow the guidelines embodied in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

More Information

For more information, please contact us.