Auburn Hills Completes Energy Efficiency Upgrade
The city of Auburn Hills Thursday announced the completion of a new energy efficiency project that allows all city buildings to operate more efficiently, saves taxpayer money and moves the City closer to earning LEED certification.
The scope of the project was broad-based and included the following elements:
* Installation of a Web-based energy management system at 10 locations, including the library, city administration building and the department of public services building, that puts the buildings on a network system and enables the Facilities Division to control temperatures from a central location.
* Installation of six individual electric meters to allow better measure of energy usage in each building. These meters now enable the Facilities Division to monitor energy consumption and adjust usage in real time.
* Upgrading lighting in six buildings to LED and fluorescent lighting fixtures.
* An energy audit of the Community Center building to evaluate and reduce energy consumption.
The institution of these new energy efficient systems also advances the city's pursuit of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. LEED certification provides recognition of an organization's efforts to reduce the impact that development has on the natural environment.
Ron Melchert, director of public services, says beyond saving money, the project reflects Auburn Hills' commitment to green initiatives.
"We want to save money and help preserve the environment through reduction of the City's carbon footprint," Melchert said. "By decreasing gas and electrical consumption, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions that negatively impact the environment."
The city was able to procure $97,553 in funding, approximately 50 percent of the project cost, from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program from the state of Michigan.
More at www.auburnhills.org.
