2011 WaterSmart Business Certification Recipients

EBMUD's WaterSmart Business Certification Program is in its second year and growing. In 2010, twenty business and institutions applied and six entities passed the rigorous certification process. This year the program grew with 90 businesses and institutions applying, and 17 achieving the WaterSmart Certification.

The WaterSmart Program requirements are tough but flexible, taking into account business needs. For businesses already proactive in their water conservation efforts, the process was relatively easy and fast. For other organizations, the program required rethinking their water needs and more of a capital investment. Their dedication to responsible water use is commendable.

Working in partnership with EBMUD, these 17 businesses instituted business practices that will help save a very limited and valuable resource: water. Being WaterSmart doesn't mean sacrificing your business; it means using water smartly and efficiently. Many of the businesses below made small simple changes that resulted in great savings.

WaterSmart - good for business; good for the environment!

The David Brower Center

How much water did they save? 532,170 gallons each year. The David Brower Center (Center) was originally designed to be efficient for both water and energy. Using 532,170 gallons less per year than similar sized buildings, the Center achieved water savings by installing low-flow toilets, water fixtures using 1.5 gallons per minute less, and other efficiency technologies which enabled them to use an average of 3.75 gallons per day (GPD) per person. What makes this even more impressive is that the 3.75 GPD includes the approximately 1,000 visitors the Center receives each month! The Center is a LEED Platinum certified building, the highest possible rating from the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program. The WaterSmart Business Certification was a slam dunk for the Brower Center and a well deserved recognition. The Center is truly a great example of efficiency for all to emulate.

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