Gov1 recently hosted a roundtable discussion in Austin, Texas, that brought together municipal leaders from across the country to share innovative strategies and best practices for improving energy efficiency at the local level.
Teresa Watkins Brown, Councilwoman for the city of Fort Myers, shared with Gov1 a detailed outline of her city’s efficiency goals and programs that have proven successful to save money and increase long-term sustainability.
“We are constantly looking to extend our efficiencies beyond just sustainability which extends beyond typical environmental considerations,” Brown explained. “Our long-term goal is to include projects that benefit the economy, our city’s social condition and the fiscal health of our organization. Our Capital Improvement plans carry out these goals and we review it every year to make the necessary changes to stay on the focus of efficiency and sustainability as a city.”
Capital Improvements
According to Brown, the Fort Myers Capital Improvement projects have diverse missions enabling the city to achieve more than one goal and fulfill multiple city needs. The five-year plan for Capital Improvement projects allows for inclusion of funding sources that result in financial efficiency from start to finish. Some of the Capital Improvements in place include:
- Downtown Water Retention Project
- City Hall Solar Panels
- Solid Waste Vehicle Replacement Program
- Neighborhood Stabilization Program
In addition, Fort Myers is implementing a component of the Energy Efficiency Comprehensive Plan in partnership with Siemens Industries in an energy performance contract. The collaboration includes upgrading two of the city’s advanced wastewater treatment facilities, water treatment plant, various public buildings, parks, streetlights, parking meters, and water meter infrastructure and software.
“This will prevent the city from incurring additional debt while boosting the efficiencies and making improvements in the infrastructure and facilities operated by the city,” Brown told Gov1. “We have also contracted with Johnson Controls as part of the City Energy Performance Contract. They will evaluate the water plant, city buildings and parks to determine what systems can be replaced or upgraded and be paid for using the savings in energy bills.”
Make It Work
Councilwoman Brown explained Fort Myers came across common obstacles seen in cities across the country when devising and implementing energy efficiency programs. Most municipalities have extensive inefficiencies in existing infrastructure which must be upgraded or replaced – which can create a significant cost to the city. Municipal leaders try to find unique funding sources to alleviate the burden on residents that may experience increased taxes or assessments during development phases.
“Our city is over 100 years old, and like every other city money and not wanting to create any more debt is the main issue,” Brown told Gov1. “I feel this is a nationwide concern and problem. The federal and state governments cannot support every city with funding to upgrade their infrastructure so cities must become creative with partnering with private sector players to get things done.”
Brown argues that the more the private sector sees how partnerships with public agencies create more effective cities, the easier it will be to form these collaborations and build better communities.
“It’s a win-win situation. Nobody loses and I think that’s what makes the partnerships so important,” Brown told Gov1. “The city saves money and eliminates debt, while the organizations that support our cities create a better livable city.”
Focus on Sustainability
Gov1 hosted a roundtable talk on sustainability featuring highlights of successful strategies that improve energy efficiency and strengthen economic growth.