From left: Thomas Wray, business development manager at LTS Property Services, discusses lighting retrofit options with Lucho Rodriguez, public works director for the City of Lawndale.
Many municipal buildings in the South Bay need equipment upgrades to make them more energy efficient. One challenge is finding the right contractors and design firms to make things better.
For the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, connecting with a supplier that specializes in “retrofitting and making things” is the key objective, according to Cesar Rodriguez, a facilities project manager for the city.
In October, the SBCCOG hosted an energy efficiency technology showcase at its office in Torrance to advance those connections. It offered an opportunity for SoCalREN-approved businesses to present services and energy technology options to cities and agencies. Representatives from eight cities and one special district across the South Bay attended. Eight businesses, ranging from building resource companies to energy contractors, showcased their offerings.
“The aim is to facilitate more conversations about energy efficiency so that our agencies can move forward on projects and be more energy efficient and sustainable in the South Bay,” said Shawn Fujioka, energy efficiency project coordinator at the SBCCOG.
Elias Gallegos, project manager at Stasis Energy Group, attended to promote energy storage technologies that lessen energy demand during peak hours. He says many people aren’t aware of this technology.
For Rodriguez, it was also an opportunity to learn about available project funding opportunities for projects at the cities.
The event’s outcomes align with the SBCCOG’s mission to help public agencies implement both energy- and money-saving programs. “It’s exciting to see the different agencies connecting with each other and businesses to learn more about opportunities that are available,” said Fujioka.
Addie Aubley, Energy Efficiency CivicSpark fellow with the SBCCOG, added, “Even if businesses and cities don’t end up working together, it’s good they get to know each other and that we create a great community of resources addressing sustainability and energy efficiency in the South Bay.” •