BUSINESS AWARD
Ceronix, Inc.

From its origins in the Whitaker garage over twenty-five years ago, Ceronix, an electronics manufacturing business located in Auburn, has developed into a highly successful and sustainable business. Eight years ago Mr. Whitaker was able to help improve air quality when he invested in a 400kW photovoltaic collection system on the 60,000 square foot roof of the manufacturing building. The system paid for itself in 44 months and now generates electricity back to the grid. Last year, Ceronix generated in excess $12,930.00 worth of electricity back into the grid. The business sits on 21 park-like acres of which three acres of Oak Easement are set aside for a natural preserve. A well on the property fills a pond that is home to native and imported wildlife. Pumps for the pond are powered by the solar panels. The offices and manufacturing areas are all constructed with large windows to take advantage of natural lighting. Employees are provided a running track, lockers, showers, an on-site kitchen and day care, minimizing the need to leave campus during shifts which cuts down on vehicle miles traveled in the area.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD
John Mott-Smith

John Mott-Smith has dedicated his days, and many of his nights, to assist all Yolo County residents to achieve energy savings, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of green jobs and cleaner air. He was instrumental in the formation of the Yolo County Climate Action Compact and served as Vice Chair for the Davis Climate Action Team. He helped form the “Green Schools Initiative” in the Davis Joint Unified School District, which is working with local groups to encourage students (and parents) to bike or walk to school and school activities rather than use their automobiles. He was also one of the primary individuals to move the AB 811 (PACE program) forward in Yolo County. PACE is a pilot program to finance residential and commercial energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. John is a leader with a unique ability to bring diverse stakeholders together for the greater good of our community. Collectively the work of John Mott-Smith has contributed significantly to our future and our children’s future for a world with cleaner air, less energy consumption and renewable energy programs and projects.

GOVERNMENT AWARD
Sacramento State Hornet Express Shuttle Program

The Hornet Express Shuttle Program has been in operation since 1989, operating diesel buses. With a strong commitment to clean air, Sacramento State has gradually converted the bus fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG). As of Spring 2009, the fleet is now 100% CNG. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bicycle racks. There is no state funding provided to operate the Hornet Express Shuttle Program, as it is funded through the payment of parking citation revenue at Sacramento State. All of the drivers are Sacramento State students and shuttle rides are free to university students and staff. Each year the Hornet Express provides over 100 thousand trips to riders. In the Fall of 2009 the “Hornet Line” was implemented to connect the Sacramento State campus to the Sacramento Regional Transit Light Rail system. The Hornet Express Shuttle Program is helping clean the air and develop good commute habits among Sacramento State students which they will take with them throughout their adult lives

REGIONAL AWARD
California Department of Transportation - Capitol Corridor

The Capitol Corridor is a 172-mile passenger train route which runs between San Jose and Auburn. It is owned by the California Department of Transportation, and operated by Amtrak. In 2009, the Capitol Corridor had 1.6 million riders, and is the fourth busiest Amtrak route in terms of ridership. Caltrans Division of Rail, in partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan and Bay Area Air Quality Management Districts and the California Air Resources Board is leading the way for energy efficient locomotives that are used on this line. Locomotive 2015 has been upgraded from Tier 0 to significantly cleaner Tier 2 standards using certified diesel technology. These technological improvements make this locomotive the cleanest medium-passenger diesel locomotive in the US. Overall, the upgrade has reduced smog forming compounds by 41 percent and fine particulate matter by 45 percent. There are plans in place to start upgrading the remaining fourteen locomotives in the Caltrans fleet starting this summer. The Capitol Corridor project serves as a model application for the passenger locomotive industry. The EPA reported that the upgraded locomotives will help meet their goal of eliminating 27,000 tons of diesel exhaust during the next 20 years, and will also help save over $9-11 billion in healthcare costs.

SMART GROWTH AWARD
Citrus Helights Community Center

The Citrus Heights Community Center is an outstanding testament to the city’s commitment to Smart Growth. Designed and constructed to achieve LEED Gold status, the building demonstrates the city’s commitment to accessible, sustainable, community-friendly infill development. Walking and biking to the Center is encouraged. The Community Center is located within walking distance of multiple residential senior apartment homes as well as densely populated residential neighborhoods. Transit stops are conveniently located nearby, and the city’s community bus service (Neighborhood Ride) provides door to door service through its route deviation program. In addition to proximity and multi-mode accessibility for the community, the Citrus Heights Community Center includes a number of attributes that result in cleaner air. Over 38% of the building’s energy comes from onsite renewable sources. The center features innovative design elements such as 40 percent water use reduction, green housekeeping and the Dolphin Water Treatment System, which cleans the air from the roof using a charcoal filtration system.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD
RESC:UE

RESC:UE (Renewable Energy Sources Club: United Educators) is a student run club at Bella Vista High School that provides educational and community outreach on energy conservation and environmental responsibility through renewable energy. Club members have conducted workshops, provided presentations and outdoor solar demonstrations to local elementary and middle schools and have participated in numerous community events. One of the most notable projects RESC:UE has taken on is to partner with the group, WE CARE Solar to build “Solar Suitcases.” These “Solar Suitcases” are plug and play solar generators which can provide a constant and reliable source of electricity to people in need. They are now being used in clinics in developing nations, saving hundreds of lives. RESC:UE has built a large mobile solar trailer that is used to demonstrate that solar power is viable and usable in our everyday lives. The club also hosts numerous successful E-Waste events at which RESC:UE has recycled over 40,000 lbs. of electronic waste. RESC:UE’s energy and commitment to provide education on issues such as climate change, energy conservation and renewable energy is key to clean air for future generations. RESC:UE is saving our environment one student at a time!