Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) recently received notification that it has earned rare dual certification for implementing energy management systems that reduce CO2 and save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. DMWW is the only drinking water utility in the nation to be certified for nationally and internationally recognized energy management standards for all of its treatment plants.
Previously, only the Fleur Drive water treatment plant was ISO 50001 certified (in 2017). Now, all three Des Moines Water Works treatment plants are both ISO 50001 and SEP 50001 Gold standards, per a review and audit that by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Superior Performance (SEP) group.
SEP is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Based on the DOE’s calculations, DMWW has reduced total CO2 emissions by 25,952 metric tons in the four years since it implemented the prescribed energy management measures. From a financial perspective, DMWW has saved $830,387 during the same period while improving its energy performance by 10.18 percent. This has allowed the utility to reduce its usage of all types of energy: electric, natural gas, LP, gasoline and diesel.
The ISO 50001 recognition is an international standard created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its standards are reviewed by international experts in their subject matter and specify requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system to continually improve energy performance in the areas of efficiency, security, use and consumption.
“This certification aligns perfectly with our mission and our values related to leadership, stewardship and employee experience,” CEO and General Manager Ted Corrigan said. “Managing our energy use is one of the many responsibilities we have to our customers, along with leading and advocating for the stewardship of our natural resources. ISO 50001 certification shows we are doing it at the highest level.”
Some of the utility’s efforts to conserve energy include:
An independent third party audits each facility to verify achievements and qualify it for recognition at the SEP Silver, Gold or Platinum level, based on performance. DMWW has now earned the Gold designation and shares this distinction with such organizations as 3M, Nissan and AstraZeneca.
DMWW has entered the 2021 Energy Management Leadership awards contest. This is an international competition that recognizes leading organizations for sharing high-quality, replicable descriptions of their ISO 50001 implementation and certification process. Winners will be announced in October.
(168) ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard (HD) - YouTube
Recognized Sites | Better Buildings Initiative (energy.gov)
Previously, only the Fleur Drive water treatment plant was ISO 50001 certified (in 2017). Now, all three Des Moines Water Works treatment plants are both ISO 50001 and SEP 50001 Gold standards, per a review and audit that by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Superior Performance (SEP) group.
SEP is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Based on the DOE’s calculations, DMWW has reduced total CO2 emissions by 25,952 metric tons in the four years since it implemented the prescribed energy management measures. From a financial perspective, DMWW has saved $830,387 during the same period while improving its energy performance by 10.18 percent. This has allowed the utility to reduce its usage of all types of energy: electric, natural gas, LP, gasoline and diesel.
The ISO 50001 recognition is an international standard created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its standards are reviewed by international experts in their subject matter and specify requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system to continually improve energy performance in the areas of efficiency, security, use and consumption.
“This certification aligns perfectly with our mission and our values related to leadership, stewardship and employee experience,” CEO and General Manager Ted Corrigan said. “Managing our energy use is one of the many responsibilities we have to our customers, along with leading and advocating for the stewardship of our natural resources. ISO 50001 certification shows we are doing it at the highest level.”
Some of the utility’s efforts to conserve energy include:
- Conversion of all indoor and outdoor lighting to LED lights at all DMWW facilities
- Installation of variable speed drives on high service pumps, backwash pumps and nitrate pumps
- Replacement of end-of-life equipment with high efficiency equipment
- Addition of insulation on water and steam pipes and in buildings
- Switch to automatic overhead doors and insulated doors in some buildings
- Development of idling guidelines for utility vehicles
An independent third party audits each facility to verify achievements and qualify it for recognition at the SEP Silver, Gold or Platinum level, based on performance. DMWW has now earned the Gold designation and shares this distinction with such organizations as 3M, Nissan and AstraZeneca.
DMWW has entered the 2021 Energy Management Leadership awards contest. This is an international competition that recognizes leading organizations for sharing high-quality, replicable descriptions of their ISO 50001 implementation and certification process. Winners will be announced in October.
(168) ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard (HD) - YouTube
Recognized Sites | Better Buildings Initiative (energy.gov)
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