2009-06-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block We will apply for economic stimulus Grant (EECBG) funding on June 25. Because of our population, the City is eligible for a direct funding allocation of $149,600. Ms. Eastman in conjunction with the Green Practices Committee and Public Works will be exploring an energy conservation energy auditenergy master strategy, which will likely include an of all facilities, an planLighting Study/PlanGreen House Gas (GHG) Inventory , a and the . Understanding where we stand on energy use is key in maximizing and leveraging dollars into long-term energy and economic savings, including job creation/retention. Our initial focus will be to hire a Washington University engineering intern to assess all Ameren-owned street lighting (not the decorative lighting owned by the City) to Street lighting determine what lighting can be eliminated to reduce energy and costs. is our most significant energy expenditure and far surpasses the electrical costs in operating our facilities. Currently we are paying $53,000 per month just in Ameren owned street lighting (cobra-heads). We anticipate decommissioning up to 10% of non- essential streetlights in the first year. The intern would also perform the GHG inventory with the assistance of ICLEI, the organization that provided the inventory software. four- We examined whether it would be cost effective to move certain employees to a day workweek . The cost savings would come primarily from the energy savings from shutting down the main City Hall building for three consecutive days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). To assess power usage, we obtained a bid from Frost Lighting to monitor the energy usage of each floor of City Hall. The retrofit would cost $8478. This is the same program that would allow the departmental break down of electrical bills requested at the study session. At this juncture, we believe it is in our best interest to wait until the energy audits are performed to determine the best use of stimulus funding and whether this is a wise purchase given the building has been LEED certified. To reduce energy costs in City Hall, behavioral changes are likely to produce the best results. To that end, Ms. Eastman has developed a new Copying and Printing policy to reduce paper use, copier use and encourages “powering” down at the end of the workday. performance-based contracting We also explored as a means of achieving energy savings through retrofits to facilities that save energy and money. The savings pays back the capital costs of the retrofits.As part of the energy audit and energy master planning process, performance based contracting will be explored. Ms. Eastman will continue to work with the Green Practices Committee in developing the energy strategy. The Committee will be presenting their overall strategy and goals at the July 20 Study Session. fleet presentation The Public Works staff and Mercury consulting provided an excellent and tour last night. Please find attached a summary of the fleet inventory that was used for the fleet study analysis. It is important to note that fleet size and composition will change week to week with smaller equipment so any review of the fleet inventory is a "snap shot" in time. As we continue to make progress in managing the fleet, the inventory will become more accurate and more complete. I believe there would be tremendous benefit in pursuing the fleet utilization study in the attached proposal as it will be a great opportunity to review and update the inventory. As such, we are researching and proceeding with option A or B to the extent funding is available.