• World's largest water purification system of its kind recognized for its innovative commitment to the environment
IRVINE, CA, Oct. 2, 2008 -- Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. and Toshiba America, Inc. extend their congratulations to the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD), winners of the "Toshiba Green Innovation Award" for their jointly designed Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) System.
The largest purification and water reuse project of its kind worldwide, the GWR System utilizes a three-step process of microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light to purify highly treated sewer water to state and federal drinking water standards. In addition to the award, OCWD and OCSD received $5,000 and a Toshiba laptop PC during the Innovation and Globalization in Green conference in Irvine, Calif., on Oct. 1, 2008.
Sponsored by Toshiba and hosted by Orange County Innovation (OCI), the Toshiba Green Innovation Award was determined by a panel of judges and recognizes environmental innovation by Orange County-based companies, institutions and organizations for their "green" products, services, technologies, processes or activities.
"We wish to thank Toshiba for this prestigious award that honors the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District's Groundwater Replenishment System," said Stephen R. Sheldon, OCWD board president. "This achievement is an example of public agency collaboration for a local solution that now serves as a model for global water recycling projects. The two agencies were committed to designing a system that would increase Orange County's water independence by providing a locally controlled, drought-proof supply of safe, high-quality water in an environmentally and fiscally sensitive manner."
Second- and third-place winners for the Toshiba Green Innovation Award are:
• San Juan Capistrano-based Green Vision Partners took second-place honors, earning a $3,000 prize and a Toshiba laptop PC. The company offers the SRS Slurry Recycling System that is the only patented air-driven chute washout system for ready mix concrete delivery trucks. Dumping concrete slurry on the ground is against Federal legislation due to the toxic nature of the materials. The SRS system allows for all the slurry to be captured with no spillage for recycling;
• Verde Power Supply Inc., a Newport Beach company won third-place honors and received $1,000 and a Toshiba laptop PC for its data center energy solution, Verde which can save up to 50 percent of the electricity used by the most efficient power supplies. The system conserves power by only drawing on it only when needed and by not requiring a fan for cooling.
At the conference, a live audience voted for the "People's Choice" award which was given to:
• SNTech Inc., a company with offices in Costa Mesa which designs and manufactures an 'Electronically Commutated Motor (The GREEN Motor)' that is up to 80 percent more power efficient than standard air conditioning motors.
Other finalists include:
• Irvine-based Advanced Biocatalytics Corporation, whose company's biotechnology-based products allow the elimination of many harsh and often toxic conventional chemicals and solvents. This leapfrog technology has applications across a broad array of business sectors including water, energy, agriculture and the industrial and consumer product fields;
• Endangered Planet Foundation, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit organization whose innovation is exemplified through its use of the universal languages of the arts and music to convey the need for environmental advocacy and activism in Southern California and beyond. Among its most interesting collaborative partnerships is its relationship with the UN Art Miles Mural Project where over 4.5 miles of environmentally themed murals have been painted on canvas.
"Toshiba congratulates the winners and the finalists of the Toshiba Green Innovation Award for their efforts in creating pioneering environmental value that help to protect and improve our world," said Craig Hershberg, director, Environmental Affairs, Toshiba America Inc. "This year we had an overwhelming number of entries from Orange County companies, cities, non-profit organizations and educators who chose to innovate and become part of the solution to the many environmental challenges we face today."
Orange County Innovation (OCI) is an active network of business, service and academic leaders dedicated to promoting global awareness of Orange County as a powerhouse of innovation.
Toshiba America Inc. (TAI) is the holding company for five Toshiba operating companies in the United States, including more than 10,000 employees.
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