James City County’s attempts to reduce energy costs have been successful, and have ultimately saved more than $1.6 million since 2007.
The county’s General Services Department recently compiled the James City County Energy Use and Carbon Emissions Report, which details energy savings through fiscal year 2013. According to the report, the county lowered its carbon footprint by 16 percent in six years. In 2013, the county saved $618,189 as it reduced energy consumption by 31 percent per square foot compared with 2007.
The Board of Supervisors adopted a Sustainable Building Policy in 2010, which paved the way for more efficient new construction and renovations. The Law Enforcement Center, Building D of the county government complex and the Fire Administration Building are all Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.
The county’s building footprint has increased 22 percent in the past six years, but total energy usage decreased 14 percent. Energy usage per square foot decreased 29 percent.
In the past year, upgrades have been made in existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, including to HVAC equipment and lighting. Buildings are consistently evaluated to improve energy management, and county employees follow energy conservation protocol to reduce usage.
James City County strives to serve as an energy-efficient example for the community, according a news release.
The full energy report is available online or by calling 757-259-5375. For more information, call John Horne, director of general services, at 757-259-4127.
