Transforming critical infrastructure puts city on the path toward more responsive, resilient systems
The city of Chula Vista, California today announced that it has hired engineering and construction company Black & Veatch to develop the city’s plan for incorporating smart infrastructure. The city has set aggressive goals of becoming more efficient through improved use of energy, water, communications, and other critical infrastructure.
Black & Veatch will advise the city as it plans the hardware, software and communications networks required to establish a smarter community. Black & Veatch and the city are consulting with Cleantech San Diego and other area technology companies to ensure an innovative and cohesive solution. The partnership will pursue a broad vision of improvements that can set the stage for future development.
The Chula Vista Bayfront master plan was developed jointly by the City of Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego. It is the largest waterfront development opportunity on the west coast. The 535-acre Bayfront is adjacent to two national wildlife refuges. It also housed a major power plant and aircraft manufacturing facilities. The Bayfront’s plan will transform the area into a world-class destination and provide a unique opportunity to show the viability of smart development practices.
The plan includes high-performance buildings and city infrastructure that incorporates energy efficiency, demand response, and clean energy generation technologies.
“Black & Veatch is a global leader in engineering design and construction,” said City Manager Gary Halbert. “The firm’s strong reputation and proven experience will help the City of Chula Vista and the Port advance sustainable development with smart building systems and infrastructure.”
Black & Veatch’s Smart Integrated Infrastructure (SII) services combine expertise in energy, water, and communications. This covers both project management and engineering. The company will help Chula Vista realize its smart city vision while promoting quality and curbing costs.
“Chula Vista’s leadership has taken an enormous step toward making their systems more responsive and resilient,” said Rick Azer, Director of Black & Veatch’s SII initiative. “The energy and communications infrastructure plan we will define for the Bayfront can provide a platform for enhanced services that will benefit both the city’s budget and residents’ quality of life.”
Editor’s note:
Black & Veatch and Chula Vista will host a webinar at 10 a.m. (CST) Thursday, October 15, 2015, for more detail on the community’s smart city road map. RSVP online: http://bit.ly/Chula-Vista-Case-Study.
About Chula Vista, California
The City of Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of 260,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 50 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country. Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather Olympic Training Center, an award winning nature center and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.