Envision Charlotte Announces New Water Efficiency Program
Envision Charlotte, a unique public-private partnership that leverages sustainability for economic growth as a model for all communities, announces the creation of its second model program, Smart Water Now. This water measurement and efficiency initiative follows the first-of-itskind Smart Energy Now program. The goal is to reduce water consumption and related expenses in Uptown’s office buildings by up to 20% over five years.
Several leading solution partners are working with Envision Charlotte and the City of Charlotte to design and install the system. These include CH2M HILL, a global leader in water consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management; Itron, a leading provider of energy and water resource management solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world; Verizon, a global leader in delivering innovative communications, information and entertainment; and Siemens as a subject matter expert.
“These solution partners are demonstrating innovation and leadership by providing their expertise, technology and services to help us create models for communities anywhere in the world,” said Tom Shircliff, Chairman, Envision Charlotte.
Like its sister program for energy, Smart Water Now will aggregate information into a single number representing the total uptown usage, then drive awareness and behavior change to reduce consumption. The results will lower operational costs, improve sustainability, engage occupants and contribute to the overall value proposition of working and living in the Center City. “Our Center City offers one of the most compelling cases in the country for attracting business and talent and this Envision Charlotte program adds another significant facet” said Michael Smith, Chairman and CEO, Charlotte Center City Partners.
The City of Charlotte and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department (CMUD) are supporting Envision Charlotte vision and play a foundational role. “Envision Charlotte is creating a model for all communities and demonstrating the link between sustainability and growth” said Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx. “I applaud the leadership and innovation from our utility and the solution partners with whom they are working.”
Building occupants can track the city’s progress on interactive kiosks, smart phones and web sites along with existing energy information. The design has been established, the downtown surveys have begun and Envision Charlotte expects to have its new program in place in the Fall of 2012.
SOURCE: Envision Charlotte