Organizational Efficiencies

Audits and Project Identification:  Since 2008, Balboa Park institutions have completed over 230 energy and sustainability projects, including facility retrofits and upgrades. The Sustainability Program’s effectiveness is monitored through energy audits, LEED certification and the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. These benchmarking systems inform our Sustainability and Energy Management Action Plan and allows institutions to see the impact of their energy efficiency projects.

Excess Capacity Program: To address the issue of waste, the Balboa Park Sustainability Program created the Excess Capacity Program. Through this program, organizations can distribute excess resources to neighboring organizations that can put them to good use. To date we have diverted over 7,800 items from the local landfills by keeping them within Balboa Park for reuse.

Electronic Waste Program: The Fleet Science Center created an electronic waste program and extended participation to all Cultural Partnership member organizations to expand park-wide efforts of diverting hazardous waste from entering the landfill. The Fleet won the 2014 Balboa Park Sustainability Award for the creation of this program. To learn more about the program, read our blog post. EnviroGreen Electronic Recycling Services has been a partner in e-waste collection, check their handout for proper disposal instructions of different kinds of light bulbs.

Sustainable Operations

LEED Certification Goal: Together with the City of San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego Green Building Council and the Cultural Partnership’s member organizations,  the Sustainability Program has achieved a total of 10 LEED certified buildings in historic Balboa Park! This accomplishment helps to communicate the amazing work already taking place in Balboa Park and sets forth a path of innovative best practices for the future.

Energy Efficiency Program: Energy efficiency is one the main objectives of the Sustainability Program. The Cultural Partnership has been instrumental in spreading energy efficiency education to our 30 member organizations. Our partnership with SDG&E has allowed Balboa Park organizations to implement over 230 energy efficiency projects, saving 9,391,999 kWh, 121,570 therms and over $1.9 million in energy costs.

Alternative Transportation Program: The Cultural Partnership has partnered with SANDAG‘s iCommute program to develop alternative transportation programs for Park staff and volunteers.

Additional Operations: In addition to energy efficiency, the Sustainability Program aids the Cultural Partnership’s member organizations with the implementation of: green events, green purchasing, alternative transportation methods, waste diversion, and water efficiency.