Energy Investments Update

In October, I had a post about the energy infrastructure improvements that have been completed here in Dover. My office has overseen the improvements and has worked continuously with Johnson Controls, the vendor to install, test and ultimately commission the infrastructure.

The improvements have included retrofitting lighting, toilet retrofits weatherization and installing air conditioning units in City Hall. Lighting in the Mast Road public works facility, McConnell Center and various recreation facilities has also been installed. Included in the recreation facilities has been improvements to the pools, and vending machines. Finally, improvements will be made to the Waste Water Treatment Facility's aeration blower and upgrades to transformers in various buildings.

As of January 19, 2011, we know that there has been a lowering of consumption and of emissions of green house gases. These emissions amount to:

Electricity:
reduced GHGs 81.8 tons CO2

Natural Gas:
reduced GHGs 339.8 tons CO2

Fuel Oil:
reduced GHGs 117.8 tons CO2

A good comparison is that we have lowered the CO2 equivalent to planting 13,830 tree seedlings, if they grew for 10 years, or 123 acres of pine or fir trees. This also equals the emissions of 99 cars (reduced that amount), or saved 1,254 barrels of oil from being consumed.

In regards to consumption savings, overall we have seen:

Electricity:
reduced 24kW
Cut 215,485 kWh
Saved over $23,000

Natural Gas:
reduced 7,997 Therms
Saved over $102,000

Water:
reduced 1,012 gallon
Saved over $11,000

In total there has been over $137,500 saved because of the improvements.

I will continue to include these stats from time to time to bring people up to speed. For now though, take a look at some of the improvements, and compare how far we've come since October. Better yet, take a minute to think about how you can meet or beat the City at the savings/sustainability game.