Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 is a public water agency located in Ventura County, California, United States. The agency was established in 1927 and serves over 70,000 customers in the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme. The agency is responsible for providing safe and reliable drinking water to its customers, as well as managing the wastewater collection and treatment systems in the area.

As part of its commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation, Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote the use of renewable energy. One of the key initiatives is the use of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to procure renewable energy for its operations.

Corporate PPAs are long-term contracts between a company and a renewable energy provider, usually a wind or solar farm, to purchase a fixed amount of energy at a fixed price over a period of time. By signing these agreements, companies can secure a stable and predictable source of renewable energy, while also supporting the growth of the renewable energy industry.

In 2019, Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 signed a 20-year PPA with a solar farm in Kern County, California, to purchase 2.5 megawatts of solar energy. The PPA will help the agency meet its renewable energy goals and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by over 2,000 metric tons per year.

In addition to corporate PPAs, Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 has also implemented a number of energy efficiency measures to reduce its energy consumption and costs. The agency has installed LED lighting in its facilities, upgraded its HVAC systems, and implemented a demand response program to reduce its peak energy usage during times of high demand.

Corporate energy management is another important aspect of the agency's sustainability efforts. The agency has implemented a comprehensive energy management program to track and analyse its energy usage, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to reduce its energy consumption and costs. The program includes regular energy audits, benchmarking against industry standards, and employee training and engagement.

Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 is also exploring the use of renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, to generate energy on-site. The agency has installed a solar array at its main office in Ventura, which generates approximately 20% of the office's energy needs. The agency is also exploring the feasibility of installing wind turbines at its wastewater treatment plant in Oxnard.

Decarbonisation is a key priority for Ventura County Waterworks District No 1, and the agency has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The agency's greenhouse gas inventory shows that its operations account for approximately 2,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year. To reduce these emissions, the agency has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

To achieve this goal, the agency is implementing a range of strategies, including the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, and the adoption of low-emission vehicles and equipment. The agency has already replaced its fleet of diesel-powered vehicles with electric and hybrid vehicles, and is exploring the use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and compressed natural gas.

In conclusion, Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 is a progressive and forward-thinking public water agency that is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. Through the use of corporate PPAs, energy efficiency measures, and the adoption of renewable energy technologies, the agency is reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy. By setting ambitious targets and implementing innovative strategies, Ventura County Waterworks District No 1 is leading the way in sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.