SIMI VALLEY, CA – The City of Simi Valley, Calif., dedicated a new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified transit maintenance facility on Feb. 29.

According to the City, the $2.4 million Simi Valley Transit Maintenance Facility project was fully funded through Federal Transit Administration and American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds and earned a GOLD LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council.

A few highlights of what went into the certification include use of recycled, renewable and regional materials in the building design, envelope and interior finishes; energy-efficient building systems, which resulted in nearly a 42% reduction in water use and 25% energy savings; and 97% diversion of construction waste from landfilling during the project. The upgrades also included the installation of a modern bus wash that will filter and recycle wash water to conserve water and accelerate the wash process.

The project also included modernization and safety upgrades to the garage for maintaining the City’s compressed natural gas (CNG) bus fleet. Upgrades to the CNG fuel dispensing area will allow for the future expanded use of CNG vehicles in the East County, including the neighboring city of Moorpark through a cooperative agreement.