Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	Mike Wildgen, Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun
FROM:	Chuck Soules
Date:	March 4, 2005
RE:	Energy Conservation

At the January 11, 2005 City Commission meeting the Recycling and Resource Conservation Advisory Board (RRCAB) provided a memo on recommended energy conservation strategies for the City of Lawrence.  The memo contains several specific strategies which could have impacts on City policies, budgets, and personnel requirements.  Staff has reviewed these recommendations and offers the following comments referencing and with respect to the Energy Conservation Memo dated August 16, 2004 and revised December 8, 2004. 

1. Adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code (IEC).  Attached is a memo from Victor Torres, Director of Neighborhood Resources, which explains the potential impacts to this department’s staffing level if that code is adopted.

2. New/existing City facilities.  In discussions with all City departments, energy conservation and efficiency is evaluated with all newly designed facilities.  Alternative materials and efficiencies are evaluated to provide the City with the most practical and efficient project.  The City’s Environmental Procurement Policy is written for the reuse of recyclable products. This policy could be expanded to specifically express energy conservation and efficiency.

3. Lawrence Public Library Expansion Project.  City staff could work with Library staff to insure that any expansion design include the components of a “pilot” energy conservation project.  City staff is consistently evaluating energy efficiencies in existing City facilities:
• The Parks and Recreation Department has adopted many energy conservation measures at their facilities, including installation of gas flow meters on pool heaters, frequency drives on large HVAC units, many lighting upgrades to address energy consumption and light trespass, and placing timers on outdoor courts.
• The Public Works Department’s Facilities Maintenance Division has implemented general guidelines for energy savings with respect to lighting issues.   city commission room

4. Cost effective opportunities for energy conservation within City programs.  This recommendation for programs that currently provide funding for new construction and renovation for low-income residential housing projects would need further research by staff, if the IEC is adopted. 

5. Public education and outreach programs.  The City has many avenues available to provide for the distribution of any newly developed informational material to the community.  Staff time for the development of an educational component/program could consist of the following:
1. Professional webpage development – $3,750
2. Public access channel – no charge
3. Printed fact sheets, brochures, etc. (staff time for development and printed materials) – $400-500
4. Utility bill insert – professional development $750
5. Print and mail utility bill insert - $1,020

6. The City has supported the Annual Home Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Home Tour for several years.  Although we have not specifically budgeted for this event, it has made a fiscal impact of approximately $1,500/year.  (energy_conservation_balance_sheet_2004) Staff time for coordinating, promoting, setting up and managing the event is also significant.  The Home Energy Fair has been a significant component of the Waste Reduction & Recycling specialists’ responsibility, taking about 20% of the position’s time.  It is estimated that the Waste Reduction and Recycling personnel costs for this event is approximately $12,000/year.

7. The City and Westar have been proactive with respect to energy conservation and street lighting.  Between 1989 and 1991, the City has retrofitted with high pressure sodium bulbs which provide the most energy efficient lighting available.  We are also replacing traffic signals with LED fixtures.  The cost of the LED’s is expensive versus a standard bulb but uses less energy and has a longer life (7-10 years).  As an example, last year the intersection at Clinton Parkway and Kasold Drive was converted to all LED’s.  The March 2004 electric usage cost prior to the conversion was $93.12; the February 2005 electric usage cost was $31.20.  Over one-half of the City’s signals have LED’s.  Finally, the City’s Code Article 20-14A contains specific requirements for facility and parking lot lighting to avoid light trespass and glare.

The City of Lawrence is supportive of energy conservation strategies and will continue to evaluate practical and efficient opportunities.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to call.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works