The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) was recently honored with the Golden Hub Award for Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency from the Association of California Cities — Orange County (ACC-OC) in recognition of its net-zero energy Headquarters.
In partnership with HDR Inc., the state-of-the-art Headquarters in Fountain Valley was designed with sustainability and environmental stewardship at its core. Engineered to be 60 percent more energy-efficient than a typical office building, the Headquarters achieves its impressive energy performance by drawing power from renewable solar panels and using hot water from OC San’s Reclamation Plant No. 1 in Fountain Valley for heating. It also harnesses the power of biogas to offset nearly all its operational needs, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 95 percent.
“Receiving the ACC-OC Environmental Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Award is a testament to OC San’s innovation and environmental leadership, which is demonstrated by our Headquarters project,” said Mike Dorman, OC San’s Director of Engineering. “In addition to serving as a public space for educating and engaging our community, the Headquarters shows our commitment to exceeding environmental standards.”
The net-zero Headquarters integrates the most environmentally friendly features, including a hybrid mass timber and steel structure, along with red-list free. By incorporating these elements and more, OC San’s Headquarters redefines what it means for a public agency to operate sustainably while engaging the public.
The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in public policy, innovation, and community impact, honoring those who are making a difference in Orange County. The Golden Hub Awards are presented at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit, which focuses on key issues facing the region, while highlighting groundbreaking initiatives and collaborative solutions that drive progress.
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