For Immediate Release
August 20, 2002

OAKLAND, Calif. (August 20, 2002) - Today, the Port of Oakland received a 2002 Flex Your Power Energy Conservation Award from the State of California, at a ceremony held in Sacramento this morning, Tuesday, August 20, 2002. The award recognized the Port of Oakland’s achievements in energy conservation and efficiency in the category of Internal Policies and Reforms.

In 2001, energy conservation measures implemented at Oakland International Airport and three major Port operated buildings in Jack London Square resulted in a 9.2% decrease in energy usage from the year before. The energy savings came primarily from reduction of lighting usage and improved lighting management. These highly productive measures were also recommended to Port tenants.

In light of the recent California Energy Crisis, Port of Oakland has taken the initiative to look for ways of conserving energy that benefit the Port’s customers, community and environment. The main objective of this energy conservation program is to find ways to reduce energy demand and energy usage with the most cost-effective projects. The Port was congratulated by the State of California for playing a "key role in keeping the lights on" in California and "making it through the last summer without blackouts."

"The Port of Oakland recognizes the importance of sustainability," said Port Executive Director Tay Yoshitani. "These energy conservation measures are part of our much larger effort to operate the Port in ways that do not compromise the needs of future generations," said Yoshitani.

In 2001, Port of Oakland conducted several energy efficiency studies for Port and tenant operated facilities in Jack London Square and Oakland International Airport. Studies were made on key energy intensive operations and were analyzed for potential improvements. Recommended improvements included equipment replacements, operational and control retrofits, as well as measures that will help operation capabilities.

Port of Oakland believes that improving communication and education of energy conservation measures to its customers as well as internal employees will result in a continual effort to save energy. One such example is the implementation of a new lighting policy and the updating of lighting specifications with energy saving products for future new or retrofit projects.

Port of Oakland has been actively doing its part to reduce peak load energy demand and to consistently conserve energy. The Port of Oakland is continually striving to provide leadership in energy conservation by implementing innovative and highly effective energy efficient projects.

Contact:
Marilyn Sandifur
Media and Public Relations Manager
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com