Envision Charlotte Announces Global First Community Water Program
Charlotte, NC June 1, 2012 – 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 Nowsm. This water measurement and efficiency initiative follows the first- of-its-kind 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, including CH2M HILL, a global leader in water consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management; Itron, the 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, products and services to help us create models for communities anywhere in the world,” said Tom Shircliff, Chairman, Envision Charlotte and co-founder of Intelligent Buildings, LLC.
Like its sister program for energy, Smart Water Nowsm 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.
About Envision Charlotte:Envision Charlotte is a public-private collaboration that is leading Charlotte to become a global model for environmental sustainability and measurable economic results. Introduced at the 2010 Clinton Global Initiatives, Envision Charlotte is focused on driving significant reductions in energy and water consumption over the next five years, while reducing waste and improving the quality of Charlotte’s air. The non-profit has more than 80 volunteers representing over 50 companies, and works with a network of solution partners and Center City office building owners and managers to deliver its services. www.envisioncharlotte.com
About CH2M HILL:Employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in consulting,design, design-build,operations, and program managementfor government, civil, industrial and energy clients. The firm’s work is concentrated in the areas of water, transportation, environmental, energy, facilities and resources. With US$6.4 billion in revenue and 30,000 employees, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by Engineering News-Record and named a leader in sustainable engineering by Verdantix. The firm has been named a FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For five times. Visit us at http://www.ch2mhill.com, twitter.com/ch2mhill and facebook.com/ch2mhill.
About CMUD:The largest public water and wastewater utility in the Carolinas, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department proudly serves more than 788,000 customers in the City of Charlotte and greater Mecklenburg County — including the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius. Providing both high-quality drinking water and wastewater services, CMUD has an annual operating budget of $286 million that is funded strictly from rates and fees. The CMUD operating budget is funded strictly from water and sewer bill payment, while capital improvements are paid for mostly through the sale of bonds. CMUD operates 3 water treatment plants, 5 wastewater treatment plants, and maintains more than 8000 miles of water distribution and wastewater collection pipes.
About Itron:Itron is the leading provider of energy and water resource management solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer end-to-end solutions that include electricity, gas, water and heat measurement and control technology; communications systems; software; and professional services. With more than 9,000 employees doing business in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. To realize a sustainable future, start here: www.itron.com.
About Verizon:Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with 93 million retail customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 192,000. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
