Assembly
California Legislature

DIANE MARTINEZ
ASSEMBLYWOMAN, FORTY-NINTH DISTRICT



For Immediate Release:				         Contact: Claudia Chandler
May 3, 1996							    (916) 654-4989

Los Angeles County Building and Safety Division
Honored With State's ACES Award



Assemblywoman Diane Martinez announced that Los Angeles County's Building and Safety Division will receive an ACES Award from the California Energy Commission for creatively encouraging the efficient use of energy.

The ACES Award, which stands for "Assuring Compliance with the Energy Standards," will be presented by Energy Commissioner David A. Rohy at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m.

"The Los Angeles County Building and Safety Division is responsible for checking the compliance of construction in a large part of Southern California," explained Assemblywoman Martinez. "The Division constantly searches for ways to streamline the process while continuing to support energy efficiency standards. By effectively promoting less energy use in commercial and residential buildings, it helps to cut utility costs and improve the environment throughout our widespread community."

1995 was the first year of the ACES Award program. From more than 500 building departments throughout California, Los Angeles County was one of only 20 jurisdictions selected for an award.

Commissioner Rohy complimented the Building and Safety Division for "its well trained staff with a strong, positive attitude towards the energy efficiency building standards." He singled out the Division for "performing thorough plan checks, maintaining a staff of well-trained and knowledgeable building inspectors, and encouraging teamwork by all of its employees."

At Tuesday morning's Board of Supervisor's meeting, the award will be presented to Los Angeles County Building Official John Kelly; Fady Mattar, Assistant Superintendent of Buildings; and the plan review staff of Rajesh Patel, Carlos Clayton, Madjid Hashemi, Ram Raj and Kaveh Razavi.

Bob Raymer, Technical Director of the California Building Industry Association, added his congratulations to the ACES Award-winning jurisdictions. "Effective building departments help California builders in their quest for quality construction. By fostering consistency and a sense of teamwork, these jurisdictions work with builders to make today's buildings more energy efficient and more comfortable than older ones."

Since energy efficiency building regulations went into effect in 1978, the Energy Commission estimates that Californians have reduced their utility bills by at least $11.4 billion. The Commission predicts that by the year 2011, residents of the state will save an additional $43 billion in energy costs.

"Innovative jurisdictions like Los Angeles County are helping to protect California's energy future," said Rohy.

# # #