Technologies

BWP transformed a substation ruin into usable open space and transformed a utility tunnel into a phyto-extraction canal.

BWP implements its sustainability policies and programs using a comprehensive suite of leading-edge technologies and practices.

EcoCampus Project

A variety of innovative technologies and practices were incorporated in the EcoCampus, including: 

• Green Street
  A streetscape renovation project turned Lake Street, between Magnolia Blvd. and Olive Ave., into a green street – a showcase of five new storm water management systems and energy efficient LED lighting.
• Centennial Courtyard
  The innovative design of the BWP Centennial Courtyard showcases how an industrial “ruin” can be transformed into usable open space. In addition to re-purposing materials from the sub-station formerly on the site, the courtyard includes a number of other creative sustainable features. Examples include renewable solar energy to power the flow of recycled water through the fountains, and directing storm water landing in the Centennial Courtyard to a utility tunnel running the length of the courtyard.
• Renovation of the Historic Administration Building & Green Roofs
  The renovation of the historic Art Deco BWP Administration Building looked to the future but still honored and retained its past artistry. The building was designed to achieve a LEED Platinum rating, and incorporates three green roof rooftop gardens, as well as the restored “Water, Power and Light” mural painted by Hugo Ballin in 1948.
• Architecturally Integrated Solar Carport
  The aesthetically-pleasing steel supports stretching from the arches hold solar panels that produce 352,000 kWh and an estimated energy retail value of $53,000 annually. Large underground tanks beneath the solar covered parking lot capture storm water from the rooftop gardens, parking area, and the solar panels via rain chains and down spouts. This water percolates down through the soil over time as the soil allows.
• First LEED Platinum Warehouse in Southern California
  The old warehouse was inefficient, unsafe, and required additional personnel to operate. Materials management operations is now responsible for over $20 million dollars of inventory and operational efficiencies allow a reduction from seven staff persons to five. The warehouse is one of three LEED Platinum buildings on the EcoCampus. The Administration Building renovation is completed, and BWP’s Electrical Equipment Building will be its next LEED Platinum building, with construction expected to be completed by Spring 2013.
• Landscaping at Olive/Magnolia/Flood Channel
  Successful blending of an industrial site in an urban setting through landscaping and art in public spaces allows the public to enjoy the lush vegetation and trees along public thoroughfares that previously had few appealing qualities.
• Art in Public Places
  The required Art in Public Places is founded on the belief that the visual environment plays an essential role in creating the atmosphere for an enterprise culture and civic confidence, vital to growth and improvement.

Recycled Water System

BWP is rapidly expanding its recycled water system as outlined in the Recycled Water Master Plan. When completed in the year 2013, the system will dispense more than one billion gallons of recycled water every year. Currently the system distributes over 660 million gallons of water annually. Recycled water is former wastewater, or sewage, that has been treated to remove solids and most impurities. In the City of Burbank, recycled water is highly treated and approved for all uses except human consumption. It is primarily used for landscape irrigation, but is also used for industrial or commercial cooling, and decorative fountains and water features. Multi-family residences and commercial customers that lie directly in the vicinity of the recycled water main and have a considerable amount of landscape will be targeted for the use of recycled water. Single family homes are excluded from the use of recycled water. Learn more about the Recycled Water System Expansion Construction Phases Summary.

Smart Meters

For its Smart Grid Program, BWP selected single radio smart meters that only communicate with the utility to provide consumption information for efficient billing. This decision was based on three guiding principles: a one radio system minimizes the cost of the program; using the meter as a “gateway” into the home is not as efficient as using existing and available internet services; and, leaving the “gateway” decision to the customer puts the control and choice for future features directly into the hands of the customer. As the marketplace matures, customers will have the choice to add more communications later to take advantage of new products and services. These meters also allow for remote service connection and efficient alerts of power outages.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The EV charging stations operated through the ChargePoint America Network, feature the latest technology, such as SMS or email notifications to the driver when charging is complete. The ChargePoint America Network makes plug-in electric vehicle charging more convenient for drivers; they are able to locate and reserve available public charging stations, including via a mobile phone application, and to track energy usage and greenhouse gas savings, as well as view their account history. EV users are able to locate the new stations on the ChargePoint Network website, which shows real-time availability of chargers, as well as on the BWP website, which also includes helpful tips about EVs and chargers.