Internal sustainability

From carpooling to recycling to conserving water, SRP employees are encouraged to “go green” at work.

This year, SRP repeated the popular recycling fair for employees, making it easy to safely dispose of items such as old CFLs, paint cans and batteries — things that should never be thrown in the regular trash. Clear messages of “reduce, reuse, recycle” are present at SRP buildings, as are the appropriate receptacles to make recycling easy.

Alternative transportation is another way for employees to practice sustainability. About 20% of SRP employees commute via the light rail, carpooling, vanpooling or riding a bike. SRP makes it easier by providing access to a fleet of vanpool vehicles, subsidizing light rail passes and maintaining a database for employees to find carpool buddies.

Key programs and initiatives

Planet SRP:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A companywide program encouraging SRP employees to reduce their carbon footprint at home and at work.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Reduce, Reuse… and then Recycle Campaign:

  • SRP created guidelines and provided informational magnets on waste reduction and recycling, existing bins were retrofitted with clear signage of what to recycle and online maps were created to assist employees find the nearest recycling centers at their facilities.

  • The "How I Was Saved From The Landfill" challenge recognized 30 employees for finding new creative ways to use things that would normally end up in the landfill and give them a new life.

Sustainability Fair:

  • 500 employees visited 30 vendors and learned about various sustainability efforts.

  • The fair resulted in collection and proper disposal of approximately 1.3 tons of household hazardous waste, including electronics, paints and solvents, oil, antifreeze, batteries, CFL bulbs and fluorescent lamps.

 NEXT STEPS

Campaigns for FY12 will include a focus on water conservation and other topics to be determined.
Rideshare:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP employees are encouraged to use alternative transportation and avoid single-occupant vehicle commuting.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP employees using alternative modes of transportation:

  • 1,260 have bus/light rail passes.

  • 130 are registered carpoolers.

  • 215 are vanpool riders.

SRP funds the maintenance of the METRO Light Rail station at Priest/Washington.


Valley Metro's Clean Air Campaign Awards presented SRP with an Outstanding Transportation Coordinator award; SRP also received an Outstanding Marketing & Creativity award for its Rideshare Program.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to define and implement opportunities for employees to participate in commute alternatives and be part of the solution.
Telecom Solar:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Solar collection panels were installed to help offset power requirements of electronic equipment located within the SRP Kyrene telecom facility.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

24 panels produce a total of four kilowatts that offset the power requirements of electronic equipment within the facility.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will monitor and measure the facility and use this information when planning future deployment models.
Desert Basin Photovoltaic System:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A 20 kW interconnected solar electric system provides power to a new warehouse located at the power plant.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Estimated generation capacity: 30,000 kWh per year

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to evaluate opportunities for integrating renewables into its operations.
Water management practices:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP employs various water conservation practices and technologies throughout the organization.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP has reduced water usage by continuing use of native plants that will survive naturally in the desert environment. SRP also uses low-water-use faucets, toilets and showers where possible.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to define and implement opportunities to reduce water usage.
Pinal Call Center: (PCC):
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Our newest Gold LEED certified customer service office/call center meets certain federal green-building standards. The building was designed and built for environmental excellence and sustainability.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

All native plants were weaned off irrigation and rain collection barrel water was utilized when watering was required.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to identify opportunities to utilize green building standards in construction projects whenever possible.
Energy management:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP has incorporated a variety of energy management practices in our buildings and facilities.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP made the following facility improvements:

  • Re-roofed 3 facilities with "green roofs" to reduce energy costs and add durability.

  • Installed window treatments at 5 buildings to reduce sunlight transmission into office areas.

  • Resealed all caulking joints on 3 buildings to reduce heat infiltration and improve HVAC efficiency.

  • Upgraded and modified air handlers at one facility to increase efficiency of cooling systems.

  • Partnered with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) regarding energy studies of LED lighting and chilled water computer room air conditioners.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to seek opportunities to further employ energy management practices and reduce energy usage in our facilities.
Biodiesel fuel:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This clean-burning alternative fuel is derived from 100% renewable resources and is used in SRP fleet vehicles.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Almost 75% of SRP's fleet of approximately 900 diesel powered vehicles use B20 fuel, which is 80% ultra-low sulfur diesel and 20% biodiesel.

Approximately 867,000 gallons of bio diesel fuel are used annually.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to evaluate different mixes of fuel in order to reduce dependency on traditional oil supplies and reduce emissions of particulate matter.
Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Incrementally, SRP replaces existing vehicles with alternative fuel and/or hybrid vehicles.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles comprise approximately 8% of the powered fleet, not including units using bio diesel.

SRP utilizes the following alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles:

  • 13 natural gas powered vehicles.

  • 59 propane powered vehicles.

  • 10 hybrid vehicles.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to evaluate vehicle performance and integrate more vehicles of this type into its fleet.
Reclamation/recycling:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP is committed to realizing the greatest return on assets, including those reaching the end of useful life. SRP recycles products when possible as a part of daily operations, and encourages employees to do so at work.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles comprise 8% of the powered fleet, not including units using bio diesel.

SRP recycled or reused the following:

  • 468 tons of commodities (includes paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic).

  • 4,724,120 lbs. of scrap steel.

  • 272,819 lbs. of mixed wire.

  • 433,578 lbs. of chopped copper.

  • 1,035,698 lbs. of chopped aluminum.

  • 347,871 tons of fly ash.

  • 9,180 lbs. of scrap luminaries.

  • 4,830 scrap rail ties.

  • 914 recycled ink cartridges.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to extend our reclamation/recycling efforts. Targeted items include porcelain insulators, plastic, pipe and meter glass.

Key programs and initiatives

Planet SRP:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A companywide program encouraging SRP employees to reduce their carbon footprint at home and at work.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Reduce, Reuse… and then Recycle Campaign:

  • SRP created guidelines and provided informational magnets on waste reduction and recycling, existing bins were retrofitted with clear signage of what to recycle and online maps were created to assist employees find the nearest recycling centers at their facilities.

  • The "How I Was Saved From The Landfill" challenge recognized 30 employees for finding new creative ways to use things that would normally end up in the landfill and give them a new life.

Sustainability Fair:

  • 500 employees visited 30 vendors and learned about various sustainability efforts.

  • The fair resulted in collection and proper disposal of approximately 1.3 tons of household hazardous waste, including electronics, paints and solvents, oil, antifreeze, batteries, CFL bulbs and fluorescent lamps.

 NEXT STEPS

Campaigns for FY12 will include a focus on water conservation and other topics to be determined.
Rideshare:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP employees are encouraged to use alternative transportation and avoid single-occupant vehicle commuting.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP employees using alternative modes of transportation:

  • 1,260 have bus/light rail passes.

  • 130 are registered carpoolers.

  • 215 are vanpool riders.

SRP funds the maintenance of the METRO Light Rail station at Priest/Washington.


Valley Metro's Clean Air Campaign Awards presented SRP with an Outstanding Transportation Coordinator award; SRP also received an Outstanding Marketing & Creativity award for its Rideshare Program.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to define and implement opportunities for employees to participate in commute alternatives and be part of the solution.
Telecom Solar:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Solar collection panels were installed to help offset power requirements of electronic equipment located within the SRP Kyrene telecom facility.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

24 panels produce a total of four kilowatts that offset the power requirements of electronic equipment within the facility.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will monitor and measure the facility and use this information when planning future deployment models.
Desert Basin Photovoltaic System:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A 20 kW interconnected solar electric system provides power to a new warehouse located at the power plant.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Estimated generation capacity: 30,000 kWh per year

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to evaluate opportunities for integrating renewables into its operations.
Water management practices:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP employs various water conservation practices and technologies throughout the organization.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP has reduced water usage by continuing use of native plants that will survive naturally in the desert environment. SRP also uses low-water-use faucets, toilets and showers where possible.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to define and implement opportunities to reduce water usage.
Pinal Call Center: (PCC):
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Our newest Gold LEED certified customer service office/call center meets certain federal green-building standards. The building was designed and built for environmental excellence and sustainability.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

All native plants were weaned off irrigation and rain collection barrel water was utilized when watering was required.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to identify opportunities to utilize green building standards in construction projects whenever possible.
Energy management:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP has incorporated a variety of energy management practices in our buildings and facilities.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

SRP made the following facility improvements:

  • Re-roofed 3 facilities with "green roofs" to reduce energy costs and add durability.

  • Installed window treatments at 5 buildings to reduce sunlight transmission into office areas.

  • Resealed all caulking joints on 3 buildings to reduce heat infiltration and improve HVAC efficiency.

  • Upgraded and modified air handlers at one facility to increase efficiency of cooling systems.

  • Partnered with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) regarding energy studies of LED lighting and chilled water computer room air conditioners.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to seek opportunities to further employ energy management practices and reduce energy usage in our facilities.
Biodiesel fuel:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This clean-burning alternative fuel is derived from 100% renewable resources and is used in SRP fleet vehicles.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Almost 75% of SRP's fleet of approximately 900 diesel powered vehicles use B20 fuel, which is 80% ultra-low sulfur diesel and 20% biodiesel.

Approximately 867,000 gallons of bio diesel fuel are used annually.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to identify opportunities to utilize green building standards in construction projects whenever possible.
Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Incrementally, SRP replaces existing vehicles with alternative fuel and/or hybrid vehicles.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles comprise approximately 8% of the powered fleet, not including units using bio diesel.

SRP utilizes the following alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles:

  • 13 natural gas powered vehicles.

  • 59 propane powered vehicles.

  • 10 hybrid vehicles.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to evaluate vehicle performance and integrate more vehicles of this type into its fleet.
Reclamation/recycling:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

SRP is committed to realizing the greatest return on assets, including those reaching the end of useful life. SRP recycles products when possible as a part of daily operations, and encourages employees to do so at work.

 FY11 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles comprise 8% of the powered fleet, not including units using bio diesel.

SRP recycled or reused the following:

  • 468 tons of commodities (includes paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic).

  • 4,724,120 lbs. of scrap steel.

  • 272,819 lbs. of mixed wire.

  • 433,578 lbs. of chopped copper.

  • 1,035,698 lbs. of chopped aluminum.

  • 347,871 tons of fly ash.

  • 9,180 lbs. of scrap luminaries.

  • 4,830 scrap rail ties.

  • 914 recycled ink cartridges.

 NEXT STEPS

SRP will continue to extend our reclamation/recycling efforts. Targeted items include porcelain insulators, plastic, pipe and meter glass.
Letter from the general manager