Page 8 - Sustainability Report

FUELING
shaping a sustainable
the future
20% REDUCTION IN
FROM FLEET, FACILITIES AND OTHER INITIATIVES
While managing a fleet of nearly 1,700 vehicles companywide, Southwest Gas is driving towards a cleaner environment by implementing changes, both large and small. Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions includes continuously introducing alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) to our fleet, and reducing unnecessary driving and idling times.
Annually, we replace up to 18% of the company fleet, based on a pre-established life-cycle schedule and are committed to utilizing CNG wherever feasible. In 2017, we added more than 30 additional CNG vehicles to our fleet. We’ll continue to explore opportunities to incorporate more of these vehicles in the future.
FUTURE
By 2025
Our commitment to a sustainable future:
Southwest Gas continues to shape a responsible and sustainable footprint by implementing environmentally friendly practices. When planning new building projects, sustainability is top of mind with features such as:
• Energy-efficient windows
• Integrated building control systems • Solar panels
Using many of the guiding principles shared in previous sustainability reports, we proudly implemented several key sustainability features into the design and construction of our new Sierra Vista, Arizona district office. This building successfully blends modern, yet practical energy-efficient elements.
Company-wide, additional measures taken throughout existing buildings include switching to LED lighting for more than 278,000 square feet of floor space across offices in Las Vegas, Victorville, and Yuma. The computerized heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and exterior lighting controlled by astronomical clocks have also been incorporated in our commitment to minimize our environmental impact.
Further, we are utilizing an ENERGY STAR® recognized bill management software which enables us to track and manage energy usage at all locations. Using this software, we can continue to trend energy demand, establish benchmarks and determine long- term goals.
Using baselines established in 2015, our goal is to achieve an overall 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fleet, facilities and other initiatives by the year 2025.
GHG EMISSIONS
•
Carson City
2 New CNG Fueling Stations
NEVADA
Las Vegas
Victorville
We’re proud to have played a part in bringing fueling stations to life.
In Arizona and northern Nevada, a total of 17 new CNG fueling stations have begun fueling the future.
in Nevada
Our Fleet
CALIFORNIA
ARIZONA
Phoenix
15 New CNG
Fueling Stations in Arizona
Tucson
Outdoors: • Building orientation - minimizes energy load
• Solar canopies are mounted on covered parking structures
• Rainwater collection systems stand ready
• Xeriscape techniques compliment the overall geographic location
SOUTHWEST GAS - Sierra Vista, Arizona
14
CNG Price Stability
The price stability of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel has made it an attractive option for fleet vehicle conversions, even in a market where gasoline prices have dropped. CNG prices have been relatively stable over the past three to four years, compared to gasoline, which have fluctuated dramatically. The long- term benefits of CNG—both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact—are significant, encouraging expansion of the CNG market across our service territory.
Southwest Gas is continually looking for opportunities to promote CNG vehicles and fueling stations in the communities we serve. We now provide compressed natural gas service to several fueling stations throughout our service territories.
$4.50
$4.00
$3.50
$3.00
$2.50 $2.00 $1.50
MONTHLY VIEW OF FUEL COST
Diesel
Gasoline
CNG
13
2014
2015 2016
Indoors: • Maximization and utilization of natural
lighting
• Furniture and floor covering products made with sustainabile materials
• Software-controlled LED lighting is utilized
• Daylight harvesting and motion sensors conserve energy
• Windows and coverings are strategically placed for optimum energy efficiency