What Happened?
While some cities are making headlines by setting lofty goals for energy efficiency and reduction, many municipalities are implementing more modest changes to energy strategies that are generating significant, sustainable savings.
Ansonia
Ansonia, Connecticut, signed a pledge with local energy provider United Illuminating to partake in the Energize Connecticut’s Home Energy Solutions program designed to help homeowners reduce their energy costs with simple, efficiency-boosting tools, New Have Register reported.
The energy savings program challenges homeowners to have their properties audited by a professional to see where energy is being wasted and savings could be achieved. The home assessment is complete with a list of simple, easy-to-implement solutions to eliminate unnecessary energy use and costs, New Haven Register reported.
A simple way to cut down on electrical costs is switching out old lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Ansonia held a lightbulb exchange program to connect residents with easy home solutions.
Every time a homeowner participates in a home audit or other energy saving program, the city of Ansonia earns points toward grant money. For all the energy efficiency programs held, and changes made, in Ansonia last year, the city received a $10,000 Bright Idea grant from United Illuminating, New Haven Register reported.
The city plans to use the $10,000 grant to fuel existing and new energy projects including:
- Adding automated controls for lighting, heating and cooling of public buildings
- Auditing more public and private buildings
- Applying for a credit to make improvements to various municipal buildings
Over the next 10 years, Ansonia plans to save $320,000 from energy efficiency projects focused on private and municipal building conservation, New Haven Register reported.
Bozeman
Bozeman, Montana, has launched a program to help local businesses save money by reducing energy consumption. The Bozeman Business Energy Program is designed with small businesses in mind, providing them with a formal appraisal of their properties followed by a list of recommendations on ways to be more energy efficient, NBC Montana reported.
Not only does the local energy provider assess the commercial and industrial properties for energy waste, but also offers the businesses rebates to help reduce the cost of any suggested changes or upgrades. Furthermore, Bozeman has agreed to match 33 percent of all out-of-pocket expenses made by the businesses after the audit is complete, NBC Montana reported.
Tips for Mayors
The World Bank recently developed the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program that aims to provide cities with help and guidance on how best to improve energy efficiency while improving services and increasing competitiveness. The program offers mayors and municipal leaders with tips for achieving green growth through:
- Procurement
- Financing
- Buildings
- Transport
- Assessments
- Urban planning
The tips include practical options and strategies local leaders can implement when launching development projects, designing communities and investing in new technologies or upgrades. The guidance aims to provide cities with recommendations for both short-term solutions and long-term sustainability projects.
Going Efficient
Gov1 has reported on several energy efficiency programs that help lower costs while boosting economic opportunities.