Cahaba River Society lauds sustainable building upgrades

Alabama Power has received a 2012 Watershed Conservation Development Award from the Cahaba River Society (CRS) for projects that are aimed at reducing municipal-supplied water use at the company’s Birmingham headquarters.

The award announced today follows recent recognition for other Alabama Power green initiatives by the Green Resource Center for Alabama (GRCA) in the nonprofit’s annual Green Progress Report.

The CRS award highlights Alabama Power’s use of rainwater cisterns and groundwater supplies coupled with water-efficient fixtures throughout the building to reduce municipal-supplied water by nearly 70 percent. The three projects reduce annual water use by 14.4 million gallons – enough to supply 100 homes.

"Water and energy use are interrelated," said Matt Bowden, Alabama Power's vice president for Environmental Affairs. "We're always looking for ways that we can conserve both energy and water, and help our customers do the same."

Partnering with Pinnacle Engineering and RJ Mechanical Contractors, Alabama Power tapped a groundwater source in the building’s basement, which previously posed a flooding threat, to supply its cooling tower. The company also installed a rainwater harvesting system that irrigates the company’s water-efficient employee park. The park, designed by architect Steve Reeves with SDR Architects, uses drought-tolerant plants and pervious pavement to reduce water usage.

Combined the projects yield an annual savings of more than $180,000.

Alabama Power was recognized by GRCA’s annual report for its work in 2011 related to solar energy research and wind power. The company was credited for its ongoing Renew Our Rivers cleanup campaign and newly launched bike share program at company headquarters. The Alabama Power Foundation was also credited for its Good Roots tree grant program.

The report also highlighted green developments in 2011 in which Alabama Power played a role. The company was acknowledged as one of several community partners who worked to improve air quality in Birmingham and around the state by continuing to invest in environmental controls at its coal-fired plants. It was also highlighted for its role in preserving and restoring freshwater habitat for the tulotoma snail, which federal officials recently removed from the endangered species list because of increased populations.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. To learn more about environmental stewardship and grant opportunities, visit Alabama Power’s environmental page at www.alabamapower.com.