Del Mar Fairgrounds & Racetrack

Overview

In 2017, CEG was selected to design and implement energy and water efficiency measures across the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Construction began in 2019, with CEG compressing a 7-month schedule into just 10 weeks to ensure completion before the annual San Diego County Fair. With over 450 vendors and more than 1.5M annual visitors, the fairgrounds faced steep peak-demand penalties, accounting for one-third of electricity costs. CEG’s solution combined traditional ECMs with innovative behavioral engagement strategies.

Solutions

CEG implemented 14,000+ lighting upgrades, 400 water fixture retrofits, mechanical improvements, state-of-the-art kitchen ventilation controls, and building envelope upgrades. To curb peak electricity demand, CEG created a vendor engagement program offering incentives, discounted LED products, and onsite energy consultations. With 85% initial participation, and later expansion to major vendors, the program reduced peak load by 1.2MW (25%), slashing costly demand penalties and supporting sustainable operations.

Results

The project delivers $260K in verified annual savings, reduces energy use by 4,201 MMBtu, saves 1.5M kWh of electricity, and cuts water consumption by 2.3M gallons each year. Demand-side engagement reduced peak power by 1.2MW, significantly lowering penalties and improving cost control. The project demonstrates how pairing efficiency upgrades with occupant engagement can yield transformative results.