HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy Efficiency Conservation Strategy (EECS)PPrroommootti
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The City of Meridian Energy Strategy Overview
In an effort to improve the energy efficiency, transparency, accountability,
and innovation of local government, the City of Meridian decided to prepare
an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). This EECS
outlines the City of Meridian‘s long-range plans to integrate energy
efficiency and energy independence, sustainability, resource conservation,
environmental stewardship, improvements in air quality, and reductions in
greenhouse gasses into the everyday operations of City government.
As part of the Energy Strategy, the City’s mission, vision, and ongoing
initiatives were incorporated into the energy planning process. These factors
will be integral in directing policy options and for implementing the City’s
current and future energy projects. Moreover, they will help to guide and
centralize the energy planning process. As a result, these principles are
outlined at the beginning of the document and should be considered
throughout the Strategy as a whole. The City’s common mission, vision, and
initiatives are as follows:
Mission:
Meridian is a vibrant community whose mission is to be a premier city to
live, work, and raise a family.
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What prompted the EECS?
The EECS emerged as a result of federal funding through the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program administered by the Department of Energy
(DOE).
What was the Planning Process?
The City of Meridian decided to pursue the goals of the EECBG program through a
planning process that prioritizes funding and energy savings, while meeting federal
requirements. The City engaged in a visioning and analysis process to make these goals
a reality. The City Council was periodically debriefed and consulted for direction on steps
forward during the planning process. This allowed a system of internal checks and
balances, policymaker buy-in and stakeholder ownership in the Strategy’s final outcomes.
Will the Strategy be Incorporated into Existing Plans?
In order to ensure planning coordination and integration, the City intends to align this
Strategy with ongoing planning efforts. Many of the goals identified by this Energy
Strategy will be aligned with the mission, vision, and initiatives identified in the City’s
Comprehensive Plan, Development Code, operational policies and other long-range
planning operational documents.
Was There Regional Coordination?
The policies, programs, and energy vision identified in this Strategy should be used to
shape the changing energy goals that define the region. Agency coordination will help to
ensure regional acceptance and verification of adjacent energy-related policies and plans.
This Strategy will be submitted to the State Office of Energy Resources to ensure
statewide dissemination of the City’s energy innovation, as well as ongoing projects and
policies.
What are the Guiding Energy Objectives?
Through the planning and coordination process of the Energy Strategy, key objectives
were identified by City staff and approved by the City Council that are meant to guide the
City in its future decisions toward improving energy efficiency and conservation.
The City’s Energy Objectives are:
1. Reduce energy-related expenses in City facilities
2. Promote energy efficient land use patterns and/or construction practices
3. Reduce waste generated in City facilities
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How Will Funds be Leveraged?
Many projects identified in this Energy Strategy can be supplemented by local utility
incentives or federal and state funding opportunities. Moreover, the cost savings from
improving the energy efficiency of government operations can be re-invested in new
energy projects and policies.
How will the City Measure Progress?
Annual and quarterly reporting of energy-related savings will demonstrate the success of
the City’s ongoing energy-related projects and programs. Additional projects will be
implemented over time to continue the success and benefits of the Energy Strategy.
Maintaining an energy baseline from year to year will enable the City to track changes in
energy costs and the benefits of implementing projects.
What is the Implementation Timeline?
Seven prioritized energy efficiency projects have been identified for application of EECBG
funds. These projects symbolize the beginning steps toward achieving the City’s long-
range energy goals. As part of this Strategy, a broad inventory of energy efficiency
projects and programs, as well as a provisional timeline for completion of these goals, is
also included in the EECS.
Project cost estimates have been obtained for some of the projects in the Energy
Strategy. This will allow quick implementation when additional funding becomes available.
These efforts will guide the City towards accomplishing current goals and setting the
framework for implementation of future energy projects.
Understanding and managing energy efficiency
and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from all
sources requires experience and project/program
implementation within many disciplines
Project cost
estimates have
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some of the
projects in the
Energy Strategy.
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The City of Meridian, Idaho developed this Citywide Energy Strategy as a guide for
achieving both short-range and long-range objectives for energy efficiency, the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of sustainable jobs. Short-range energy goals
will be achieved by allocating existing EECBG funding towards approved projects that will
begin the process of accomplishing these goals. A comprehensive list of future energy
projects is included in this report that demonstrates the City’s long-range commitment to
energy efficiency. The energy-related projects, programs, policies, and implementation
measures identified in the planning process of this Strategy will facilitate The City of
Meridian’s long-range energy success.
The purpose of the Energy Strategy closely follows the requirements of the EECBG program
to:
Characterize current energy use in the City
Identify practical projects and programs that will best achieve energy goals for
analysis and inclusion as part of the City’s long-range energy strategy
Meet EECBG funding and documentation requirements
Define metrics to assess project potential including:
Jobs created
Energy saved
Installed capacity
Greenhouse gas emissions reductions
Cost estimates and savings
Other funds leveraged
Develop appropriate methodologies and templates for monitoring progress
Identify projects that are most appropriate for the EECBG allocation and projects
that are more appropriate for competitive grants, utility
payback programs, incentives, etc.
This Energy Strategy
outlines goals that
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The City of Meridian recognizes the potential impacts of global warming and the effects
that local action can have on improving the world’s climate. Existing scientific and
economic information suggests that global climate change can be impacted by increasing
greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, by taking action at the local level, municipalities
can work to reduce these emissions to help prevent future environmental, social and
economic threats. As part of the energy planning process, the City conducted or will
conduct the following activities:
1. Analyzed current GHG emission levels produced by all City-owned assets
2. Estimated potential GHG emission reductions that could result from specific City
actions
3. Identified policies and programs that could further enhance future GHG emission
reductions
4. Implemented an Energy Strategy that will function as an Energy Action Plan to
guide emission reductions
5. Will monitor and implement progress and results of implementing energy projects
and programs
By taking these actions, the City of Meridian has begun the process of shaping its long-
range energy goals that could help to prevent climate change. These actions will require
the City to outline energy projects, programs and polices, follow-through with certain
actions, determine the success of this energy strategy, continue the process of identifying
and updating its energy goals, and work towards meeting specific targets that make it a
leader in climate protection.
As part of the long-range goals identified in this Energy Strategy, the City of Meridian has
the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 5,720 MTCO2 over the next ten years. These
reductions symbolize the beginning of Meridian’s ongoing effort to work towards slowing
climate change.
The City of Meridian Estimated 10 year Project Benefits &
Savings
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The Energy Strategy Planning Process
The following flowchart outlines the planning process that was followed to produce the City of Meridian EECS.
Each of the steps outlined in the above chart is discussed in the subsequent sections of the Strategy. A diagram of
the Energy Strategy Planning Process is provided on the following page.
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The Energy Strategy Planning Process Diagram
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Baseline Energy Inventory
To better understand existing energy
consumption, the City analyzed their
energy baseline consumption for the
year 2008. The energy baseline
analysis was conducted before the
onset of the EECBG program, as part of
the Citywide Environmental and Fiscal
Stewardship Initiative. These steps
analyzed the most current annual
energy use information that was
available including seasonal variations
and monthly cost fluctuations.
The energy baseline included a
compilation of all available energy costs
and energy measures across each of
the assets owned and operated by the
City of Meridian. Energy use was calculated for Kilowatt hours, thermal units, and fuel
consumption. In many cases, buildings or specific City-owned assets used both Kilowatt
hours and therms. In order to represent a common equivalent energy unit, each of these
energy measurements was converted to British Thermal Units (BTU’s) to calculate the
total energy consumption for each building or asset.
To effectively categorize energy use by business class or department, the City’s assets
were split into sector classifications as shown above. The Energy Sector Classifications
for the City of Meridian were organized and agreed to by City staff and the City Council.
Baseline energy use data helped to identify the facilities with high existing energy use.
The buildings or facilities that represented high comparable energy consumption were
considered for further evaluation in the project or program evaluation process. After the
energy baseline was calculated for all energy sectors, an Energy Baseline Scorecard was
created to provide a graphic representation of the City’s 2008 energy use. The City of
Meridian Energy Baseline is provided on the following page. The full energy baseline
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DRAFT
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Success Indicators and Objectives
The City of Meridian identified a series of objectives that would guide their decisions for
current and future energy projects and programs. Through this approach, success
indicators and evaluation measures were integrated into the Strategy’s goals and
outcomes.
The energy objectives for The City of Meridian were developed by City staff based on
current energy demands, ongoing City projects, and the desire to set sustainable goals.
The objectives were then approved by the City Council on November 3, 2009.
The City of Meridian energy objectives helped to evaluate specific energy-related projects
or programs identified for the current funding opportunity. These objectives can also be
used to evaluate future project and programs over time. These objectives were used in
the project matrix as a key measure that would help to evaluate other projects. Yet, it is
important to recognize that as energy needs and opportunities change, the objectives can
also change to align with future needs. Particularly, shifts in technology, funding, or
project opportunities may motivate these changes. If energy objectives change,
policymaker approval should occur.
The City of Meridian Energy Objectives:
• Reduce energy-related expenses in City facilities
• Promote energy efficient land use patterns
and/or construction practices
• Reduce waste generated in City facilities
Local energy
objectives
should not be
static; they
should change
over time with
shifts in
technology and
current funding
or project
opportunities.
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Project Brainstorming
In order to encourage City departments and staff to bring reality to potential energy
efficiency projects, department heads and staff were encouraged to brainstorm any
projects or programs they would like to pursue through the EECBG program. A project
brainstorming session was conducted on October 28, 2009 that outlined the projects and
programs that would be analyzed as part of the Energy Strategy. Representatives from
Idaho Power, the Meridian Downtown Development Corporation (MDDC), Vengaworks,
and the Mayor attended the meeting. In total, thirty two project ideas and fifteen
program or policy ideas were submitted for consideration as part of the energy planning
process.
To begin ranking and analyzing the initial list of projects that were envisioned in the
brainstorming session, a project matrix was created that included all the measures
required by the DOE as part of the EECBG funding, as well as additional metrics such as
City energy objectives, anticipated project costs and savings, payback periods, and
additional funding sources. The matrix provides a planning-level analysis that measures
the costs and benefits of each project or program to prioritize them for current and future
funding opportunities. The list of projects in the project matrix that were evaluated for their
energy, cost, and environmental benefits is shown on pages 13 and 14.
In many cases, the City departments or staff that suggested certain projects had cursory
cost estimates or concepts of energy savings posed by the projects. In these cases, the
available project information was populated into the matrix. The projects that did not have
initial cost or energy information were estimated based on engineering and planning-level
analysis. Some key project considerations included environmental, historical, or
implementation issues that could delay the quick and efficient use of the funding. These
issues were highlighted in the matrix in order to flag them for comparison against other
projects that may not have similar issues.
This process of planning-level project analysis was an effective method of comparing
different projects for funding prioritization. It provided a base-level analysis for an array of
projects that had potential for energy savings. When future funding opportunities become
available, this process should be repeated.
The programs and policies identified in the brainstorming process were separated from
the projects. The identified programs and policies are recommended as part of the City’s
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Project Prioritization
After the initial list of projects and programs was compiled, a project prioritization analysis
was conducted. As part of this analysis, all available information regarding the projects
was compiled and populated into the matrix, including any project constraints that would
hinder the quick and successful completion of the project. After compiling appropriate
information for each of the projects, an internal team of professionals, engineers,
electricians, planners, and energy consultants balanced and prioritized the projects. The
projects that were costly, had limited foreseeable savings, or posed significant obstacles
were moved to the bottom of the list. The projects that provided quick payback, significant
energy or cost savings, and fit into the City’s long-range energy vision were moved to the
top of the list.
A high-level analysis of 16 projects that had significant energy and cost savings potential
was then conducted including a detailed compilation of measures for each project. The
information that was obtained for each of these projects included:
Existing energy use
Approximate investment
Potential energy saved
Potential costs saved
Estimated jobs created or retained
Associated GHG emissions reduced
Additional funding opportunities (funds leveraged)
After the high-level analysis of the 16 proposed projects, eight projects were chosen to
compete for application of the EECBG funding. One additional project was identified to
apply any remaining funding from the allocation. Projects will be funded consecutively and
balanced according to project incentives and budget offsets. The prioritized projects were
approved by the Meridian City Council on November 18, 2009. The matrix with the 16
high-level projects is shown on the following page. The 9 prioritized projects are outlined
in detail later in the Strategy.
Projects
identified in an
initial
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Information Objectives Measures
# Project Title
City
Department
Brief Project Description
Reduce
energy-
related
expenses in
City
facilities
Promote
energy
efficient land
use patterns
and/or
construction
practices
Reduce
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Information Objectives Measures
# Project Title
City
Department
Brief Project Description
Reduce
energy-
related
expenses in
City
facilities
Promote
energy
efficient land
use patterns
and/or
construction
practices
Reduce
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Sustainable Initiatives, Programs and
Policies
A main goal of the City of Meridian Energy strategy is to develop policies and programs
that will help make Meridian healthy, vibrant, cohesive, and sustainable for many
generations into the future. Many of these initiatives will be considered as part of the
implementation process to facilitate the City’s energy progress. Where feasible, the
specific initiatives outlined in this Strategy will be measured to help identify the City’s
progress toward achieving GHG reductions. Initiatives that are difficult to measure with
available resources should still be recognized as key efforts towards sustainability.
Numerous energy initiatives, programs and policy options were identified during the
brainstorming process that will facilitate energy efficiency, and sustainability. In many
cases, the initial costs associated with energy programs and policies are generally
minimal. Yet, these initiatives, programs and policies can require a significant level of
stakeholder and policymaker support to ensure successful implementation. Outcomes of
the specific energy-related initiatives will hinge on policymaker sponsorship and the
feasibility of each specific action.
In many cases, the conceptual premise of identified energy initiatives is detailed in the
Strategy. When available, materials to help launch these programs are provided in the
Appendix. The final content of these programs and policies will be outlined in detail by
City staff and approved by City Council to guarantee applicability and effectiveness.
Target dates have been identified for initiating each of the energy programs and
policies. The 10-Year Action Plan outlines the anticipated periods of attainment.
Meridian’s City Council will direct the years of attainment for each specific initiative as part
of the adoption of the Energy Strategy. If goals will not be met for certain initiatives, the
dates will be modified and re-adopted by City Council as necessary. Where feasible,
many of these programs and policies should be considered for integration into the City’s
associated planning or operational documents and procedures to ensure their long-range
success.
The City of Meridian Energy Programs & Policies:
Conservation and/or Sustainability Chapter in Comprehensive Plan –
FY 2012
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Downtown Multi-Media Energy Efficiency Display – FA (Future Action)
Assemble a multi-media display in downtown Meridian to showcase the City’s efforts towards
energy efficiency and sustainability. The display could present the City’s current efforts to
reduce GHG emissions and the cost and return on investment for energy projects and
programs. The display would function as an advertisement of the City’s efforts towards
economic stewardship and providing innovative service to its residents.
Form a Citywide Energy Committee – FY 2010
Formulate an energy committee of energy specialists, policymakers, and community
stakeholders in Meridian that tracks energy opportunities and possible advancements for the
City of Meridian. The Committee should meet regularly to consider the issues of conservation,
sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy opportunities. Additional tasks may
include exploring renewable or energy saving technologies, or monitoring the City’s energy
projects or programs. This committee would seek incentives for the City to sustain and prolong
their current efforts and investments in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Create a Revolving Fund for Energy Efficiency Grants, Loans, or Private
Financing of Renewable Energy Projects – FA (Future Action)
Create a tax-free or incentivized government revolving fund that could be used to help compile
and finance future energy projects. Opportunities for the fund could include applying funding
towards public-private partnership energy projects, or investing project incentives or funding
matches that can be used for future energy projects. Caveats could be created to require that
allocations be applied towards renewable energy projects, or projects that have a minimum
payback period.
Purchasing Policy for Conservation Fixtures – FA (Future Action)
Update City purchasing policies to encourage the replacement of traditional fixtures with energy
efficient or resource conserving fixtures. Purchasing guidelines could include fixtures such as
light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and faucets, waste reducing towel dispensers, products that
use renewable materials, or any other energy or resource conserving products available. A
sample sustainable practices policy is provided in the appendix.
Purchasing Policy for Sustainable Products – FY 2010
Update City purchasing policies to encourage the purchase of traditional disposable materials
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17 | P a g e
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Hire an Energy Performance Contractor – FA (Future Action)
In order to provide a system of checks and balances of the City’s energy usage to maintain
financial stewardship, the City may consider hiring an energy performance contractor to monitor
future energy usage. The contractor could be used to monitor and report on the benefits
associated with EECBG and other energy projects, future energy programs and policies, and
the ongoing efforts of staff to enhance internal energy conservation. This would permit a
method of annually updating the Energy Strategy and a way to track energy funding
opportunities.
Change Public Works Standards to include Efficient Street Lighting – FA
(Future Action)
Update the public works development standards to accommodate new street light that are
more energy efficient. A sample revised lighting standard recommendation is provided in the
appendix.
Change UDC Requirements to Support Landscaping Efficiency – FA
(Future Action)
Update and adopt uniform development code (UDC) requirements or a new City ordinance that
sets minimum standards for landscaping efficiency and encourages additional levels of
landscaping efficiency through development incentives or reduced costs. Updating the UDC
would require a significant planning effort with coordination from the parks departments as well
as approval and adoption by the City Council. Sample efficient landscaping code requirements
and efficient landscaping ordinances are provided in the appendix.
Develop System to Monitor and Track City Energy Use – FA (Future
Action)
As part of this Energy Strategy, the City has created a template for tracking their current energy
baseline. This can be updated annually to monitor the overall energy use of City assets. In
addition to this effort, the City would like to develop a template that can be used to measure
and assess large energy fluctuations in specific facilities, as well as provide a system of energy
control to limit over-usage of energy, especially during peak usage periods. This system could
be created and maintained by a future energy monitoring specialist or energy intern at the staff
level.
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18 | P a g e
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Ten Mile Road Conservation Corridor – FY 2011
The area around the Ten Mile Interchange is planned as a vibrant center for intensive
employment, retail and mixed use development. In addition to being designated a business
enterprise corridor, the area has potential to serve as a model for energy efficient development
and conservation.
This could occur through a number of initiatives. One is the City’s partnership between the
Idaho Transportation Department and the City to install a reclaimed waste water system to be
used for irrigation for the interchange and street landscaping as well as for private
development. Another initiative would be to provide incentives to encourage future construction
to employ building design and construction standards to LEED or other energy saving
standards. The Energy Committee should focus on the area in order to fully articulate the
energy saving and conservation opportunities for future development.
In order to initiate a large scale effort that involves regional energy and urban planning,
direction from the Citywide Energy Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the City
Council would be crucial as well as guidance by the US Green Building Council and CNU.
Involving regional members, stakeholders, land owners, and agencies will facilitate the
implementation of this energy planning area. This policy may be considered for incorporation
into the conservation or Sustainability Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan as well as integrated
into future land use planning or zoning guidelines.
Compost Facility – FA (Future Action)
According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute nearly 26% of the
municipal solid waste stream. Composting offers the benefits of resource conservation and the
creation of useful organic waste that can be used for landscaping fertilization. In an effort to
harness these benefits, the City will work to institute a compost facility for the benefit of
conservation and environmental stewardship. A compost facility, housed at the Waste Water
Treatment Plant, could be developed in partnership with the City’s solid waste contractor
Sanitary Services Company (SSC) to create the most effective operation possible.
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19 | P a g e
Additional Funding Sources
In order to further leverage the current funding allocation, additional funding sources have
been identified in the Strategy for some of the projects analyzed. In some cases, the utility
incentives cover a large portion of the costs for these projects. Each of the eligible
projects and their potential funding sources is presented below. In some cases, general
funding opportunities suggest qualification for the associated projects, but each agency or
funding program should be consulted before project implementation. It will be up to the
City to pursue additional funding sources for each project during implementation.
Energy Projects and Potential Funding Sources:
No. Project Description Potential Funding Opportunity
1.
Retro-Commission Police
Building
Idaho Power – up to $16,000 incentive
2.
Change out Light Switches to
Motion Sensors in Fire Stations
$40 Idaho Power match per sensor
3.
Efficient Equipment
Replacement (variable speed
pumps, etc.)
Idaho Power - $60 per horsepower or up
to $25,000.
4.
Change out Lighting at
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Idaho Power – $6,174 incentive
5.
Employ Digester Gas for
Building Heating at Wastewater
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20 | P a g e
EECBG Projects
Retro-Commission Police Building
The purpose of this project is to retro-commission the
City of Meridian Police Building. The project will
include; retro-commissioning of the building’s
mechanical and electrical systems to optimize
performance with a focus on operational
improvements, lighting control strategies, demand
controlled ventilation, and installation of a building
automation systems to help improve building
operation and reduce energy costs. The cost for the
project was estimated at $120,000. According to Energy Star estimations, energy
efficiency retrofits can save up to 20% of a building’s energy use. These savings could
result in a reduction of 80,000 kWh and 2,500 therms per year and an annual cost
reduction of $8,000 to $9,000. This would achieve a cost payback of 13 to 14 years with
decreased maintenance costs. This project would result in a 47 metric ton reduction in
GHG emissions. This project meets the City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
It is anticipated that retro-commissioning of the police building will be complete within two
years of activity approval.
LED Street Light Conversion Corridor
The purpose of this project is to replace existing street lights
with more efficient LED lighting on Meridian Road from
Franklin to Fairview and from I-84 to Fairview Ave. corridors.
The cost for the project was estimated at $133,000 for both
corridors including installation of poles. According to the
lighting manufacturer, LED lighting retrofits can save up to
50% of current lighting costs. These savings would result in
a reduction of 75,000 kWh and an annual cost reduction of
$6,000. This project is expected to result in a 31 metric ton
reduction in GHG emissions.
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21 | P a g e
Change Light Switches to Motion Sensors in Fire Stations
The purpose of this project is to replace old light switches in all fire station buildings with
new motion detector light switches. A total of 105 switches were identified. The cost for
the project was estimated at a little under $90 per switch for a total of $9,000. According
to Idaho Power estimates, motion sensors can result in a 1-to 3-year payback. These
savings could achieve a reduction of 50,000 kWh and an annual cost reduction of $3,500.
This project is expected to result in a 21 metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This
project meets the City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
It is anticipated that motion sensor lighting replacements will be complete within one to
two years of activity approval.
Bike & Pedestrian Pathway Construction
The purpose of this project is to construct and design pathways to increase connectivity
and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for pedestrians and bicyclists in Meridian. This
project includes construction of Fothergill path to an existing pathway network, a
connection of 270’ long by 10’ wide and design of the Five mile path segment ‘E’, which
connects Linder Road to Ten Mile Road for a length of 1.06 miles. The cost for the project
was estimated at $8,500 for the Fothergil Path and $57,000 for the Five Mile path for a
total of $65,500. According to average commuter travel miles estimated by the
Community Planning Association of Idaho (COMPASS) and US Census estimates for
population and percentage of walking and other commuters, improved connectivity could
increase walking and biking commutes by 0.75% of the labor force. This would result in a
potential savings of 46,000 vehicle miles or 2,500 to 3,000 gallons of fuel and an annual
cost reduction of approximately $6,500 to $8,000. This project is expected to result in a 26
metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This project meets the City's objectives for:
1) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
It is anticipated that construction of Fothergil Path will be complete within three years of
activity approval. The design of the Five Mile Path could be completed within two years of
activity approval.
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22 | P a g e
Turbo Blowers at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
The purpose of this project is to purchase and install two new turbo blowers at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Public Works currently operates a total of
approximately 230 horsepower for pumps, 800 horsepower for blowers, and 3.25
horsepower for clarifiers. The cost for the project was estimated at $300,000. $175,000 of
the project will be covered by the City with the remaining cost covered by a grant from
Idaho Power. The installation of these turbo blowers could result in a potential yearly
savings of 970,000 kWh and an annual cost reduction of approximately $48,000. This
project is expected to result in a 407 metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This project
meets the City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
Lighting at Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
The purpose of this project is to replace 68 existing light fixtures at the WWTP with newer
more efficient lighting. The cost for the project was estimated at $16,000 by a lighting
contractor. According to Alloway Lighting estimates, new lighting at the WWTP could
result in a potential yearly electricity savings of 70,000 kWh to 80,000 kWh and an annual
cost reduction of approximately $5,000 to $6,000. This project is expected to result in a 29
to 33 metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This project meets the City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
Surplus Budget Project
Based on the contingency of preliminary project estimates combined with anticipated
project incentives for the eight projects identified above, surplus budget may be available
from the EECBG allocation to finance one additional project. Any remaining budget from
the EECBG allocation will be applied to the following project:
Video Conferencing Pilot Project for Fire Stations
The purpose of this project is to install video-conferencing capabilities at the fire stations
to decrease automobile travel between city facilities. This would include video installation
in 1 to 2 buildings as a pilot project, depending on budget opportunities. The total cost for
the project was estimated at $20,000. This project could result in an annual savings of
3,000 vehicle miles and an annual cost reduction of approximately $2,025. This project is
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23 | P a g e
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Future Energy Projects
A list of future projects and programs not funded by the EECBG allocation has been
developed as part of the EECS process. A Ten Year Energy Action Plan has been
created for both projects and programs to identify clear measurable goals that will help to
improve the City’s energy efficiency in the long-term.
In many cases, timeframes in the Action Plan have been identified for projects that
suggest the earliest possible attainment. In these cases, subsequent years were also
highlighted to show a range of time to complete the project. The City will attempt to
achieve each project in the most feasible timeframe possible, depending on current
funding opportunities and other City priorities.
Collaborative Energy Projects
A few of the projects identified by the City of Meridian would be collaborative energy
efforts that would work towards enhancing the region’s energy future. These projects
were identified during the project brainstorming period, but were not analyzed in detail due
to the scope and available information for these projects. These are considerable efforts
that the City has undertaken to enhance their regional leadership in energy efficiency and
sustainability. The following collaborative projects would represent key steps towards
enhancing the region’s Energy Future:
Public-Private Wind Turbine Project
This was a conceptual project introduced by Idaho
Power that would include a lease to own investment
opportunity for a regional wind farm. The project would
be a pilot program with private regional investment and
a local utility partnership that would include contracts to
purchase wind turbines with payback on investments.
This project would require a significant level of private
investment to make it feasible
By identifying
and executing
appropriate
programs,
policies, and
24 | P a g e
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* Projects identified in the analysis matrix as having “limited energy potential” should also be considered a part of the Energy Action Plan
Activity
FY 2010
Quarters
FY 2011
Quarters
FY 2012
Quarters
FY 2013
Quarters
FY 2014
Quarters
FY 2015
Quarters
FY 2016
Quarters
FY 2017
Quarters
FY 2018
Quarters
FY 2019
Quarters
Responsible Department Supporting Department
Projects*
Retro-Commission Police Building
Police
LED/Green Energy Street Light Conversion Corridor
Public Works
Change out Light Switches to Motion Sensors in Fire
Stations
Fire
Bike & Pedestrian Pathway Design and Construction *
Parks
Waste Water Treatment Plant Energy Efficient Blowers
Public Works
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25 | P a g e
Long-Range Energy and Cost Opportunities
The projects analyzed as part of this Strategy are anticipated to save energy, reduce
GHGs, and leverage funds to the maximum extent possible. Over the period identified in
the Ten Year Energy Action Plan, significant energy savings can be attained, resulting in
cost reductions for the City of Meridian. During this period, energy costs can be expected
to inflate, which would increase the actual cost savings. For this assessment, a 3% annual
increase in cost is assumed. In order to present the potential energy savings and cost
opportunities assessed in this Strategy, the long-range packaged energy and costs
savings were calculated for all projects assessed. It should be noted that some projects,
as well as all programs and policies, were not assessed due to data limitations. As this
information becomes available, the 10-year savings projections can be updated to
represent the complete potential for energy savings. The table below provides a summary
of the expected outcomes associated with all of the proposed projects over a ten year
period.
The City of Meridian Estimated 10 year Project Benefits &
Savings
Gas
(Gallons)
Electricity
(Kilowatt
Hours)
Natural Gas
(Therms)
Greenhouse
Gas Emission
(MTCO2)
Financial*
32,500 12,589,590 25,000 5,720 $954,058
*Savings to be added to the table include the savings and economic benefits generated by
the implementation of various programs and policies
The 10 year savings shown above is equivalent to:
Appendix
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Appendix 1
Project Matrix and Energy Baseline Data
Appendix
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Appendix 2
Example Policies and Programs
Annual GHG emissions from 1,100 cars
CO2 emissions from the electricity use of 743 homes for one year
Carbon sequestered annually by 1,220 acres of pine forests
GHG emissions avoided by recycling almost 2,000 tons of waste instead of sending
it to the landfill
CO2 emissions from 643,000 gallons of gasoline consumed
Change out Lighting at Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WWTP)
Public Works
Video Conferencing pilot project for Fire Stations
Fire
Purchase Hybrid Vehicles (or other energy efficient vehicles,
such as electric or CNG vehicles) for Public Works *
Public Works
Energy Efficient Vehicle(s) for Code Enforcement and
Admin
Police
Electric golf carts for maintenance vehicles *
Parks
Employ Digester Gas for Building Heating at WWTP
Public Works
Wind Energy Conversion Facilities on Public Buildings
Maintenance / Public Works
Install Micro Turbines for Electricity Generation at WWTP
Public Works
Wind/Solar Energy Generation Facilities at WWTP
Public Works
Efficient Equipment Replacement (variable speed pumps,
etc.)
Public Works
Public-Private Wind Turbine Project
Planning / Public Works
WWTP Struvite Production
Public Works
Programs and Policies
Conservation/Sustainability Chapter to Comp. Plan. Planning
Multi-Media Downtown Energy Efficiency Display Maintenance
Form a City-Wide Energy Committee Public Works & Planning
Revolving Fund for Private Financing of Renewable Energy
Projects
Finance
Conservation Items such as CFLs, Low Flow Showerheads,
Door sweeps
Maintenance
Capital Revolving Fund for Energy Efficiency Grants and
Loans
Finance
Energy Monitoring System Specialist Public Works
Change Requirements for Street Light Poles Public Works
Develop system to monitor and track energy use in City
facilities
Public Works
Hire Energy Performance Contractor Public Works
10 Mile Road Conservation Corridor Planning & Public Works
Xeriscape Standards, Energy Efficiency Incentives Planning & Parks
Compost Facility –partner with SSC Public Works
Update City Purchasing Guidelines to Require Sustainable
Products
Finance
The City of Meridian 10 Year Energy Action
Plan
projects that can
facilitate a more
efficient City
government,
enhancements
in government
transparency,
energy
efficiency, and
long-range
sustainability will
guide The City
of Meridian in
the future.
expected to result in a 7 metric ton reduction in GHG emissions. This project meets the
City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
The LED Street Light Conversion Corridor project meets the
City's objectives for:
1) Reducing energy-related expenses in City facilities
2) Promoting energy efficient land use patterns and or construction practices
It is anticipated that street lighting replacement will be complete within one to three years
of activity approval.
Seven key
projects have
been identified in
this Strategy that
will apply for
funding of the
EECBG
program. One
surplus project
was also
identified to
expend any
remaining
budget. A
detailed
summary of
these projects
and their energy
metrics must be
submitted to
DOE. The
adjacent project
descriptions and
energy
information will
Treatment Plant
Idaho Power Bundle Incentives- up to
30% to 70% of project cost
6.
Wind Energy Conversion
Facilities on Public Buildings
Rural Energy for America Program
7.
Install Micro Turbines for
Electricity Generation at
Wastewater Treatment Plant
IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan
Fund and Planning Grant Program;
USDA RD Bio-energy Program
8.
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Energy Efficient Blowers
IP Custom Program - could reimburse up
to 70%; IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving
Loan Fund and Planning Grant Program
9.
Public-Private Wind Turbine
Project
Rural Energy for America Program
10. WWTP Struvite Production
IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan
Fund and Planning Grant Program
11. Potable Water Storage
Idaho Power incentive for minimizing
usage during peak loads
One of the goals
of this Energy
Strategy is to
identify a series
of projects that
qualify for
additional
funding sources
beyond the
current DOE
allocation.
Numerous
projects can be
leveraged by
utility and federal
grant matches to
increase their
economic
advantage.
(i.e. paper or styrofoam) with more resource conserving products such as biodegradable,
renewable or natural cups, plates, napkins, paper towels and any other frequently used
products. Evidence of compliance with this policy could be required in all quarterly or annual
departmental performance reports. A sample sustainable purchasing policy is provided in the
appendix.
Retain an Energy Monitoring System Specialist – FA (Future Action)
Create an energy specialist staff position in a City of Meridian department that would monitor
energy-related savings, update plans, and track energy project and program success.
Depending on the City’s current financial abilities, this position could be hired externally or
retained internally.
Update the City’s Comprehensive Plan to include a chapter, element, or section on citywide
sustainability, conservation, and/or energy stewardship. This effort will require a significant
amount of planning, public involvement, and integration of the City’s vision. This element or
component of the Comp Plan should include a clear definition of sustainability and/or
conservation and the goals that define the City’s commitment to promoting
sustainability/conservation in all aspects of everyday City operations. Specific policies covered
in this section may include a green building program, sustainable agriculture, as well as
economic sustainability. Metrics may be created that measure success for each of these
programs. This component will help to guide future regulatory decision-making so that
sustainability becomes a key consideration. A sample Sustainability Chapter for a
Comprehensive Plan is provided in the Appendix.
Adopting energy
initiatives,
programs and
policies will help
to further
enhance long-
range energy
and sustainability
goals. These
steps are
operational
efforts that will
enhance the
everyday
execution of City
staff duties and
governmental
processes.
Consequently,
sustainable
initiatives,
programs or
policies will
waste
generated
in City
facilities
Existing Annual Energy Use
Approximate
Investment ($)
Payback
Jobs
Created/
Retained
Potential Annual Energy
Saved
Annual GHG
Reduced
(Metric
Tons/yr)
Annual Costs Saved Potential for Additional Funds
Medium Potential Energy Projects
17
Install Micro Turbines for
Electricity Generation at
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Public Works
Install 250 kW micro turbine to use biogas that would help to
decrease energy costs at the WWTP
Y
Y- N
165,201 Therms for entire
WWTP
$900,000 to
$1,200,000
8 to 10 year payback
9.78 to
13.04
1.5 to 2.5 million kWh
annually
627-1,045
"$90,000 to
$150,000 annually"
IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund
and Planning Grant Program; USDA RD
Bioenergy Program
18
Wind or Solar Energy
Generation Facilities at
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Public Works
Install solar or wind energy generation capabilities on the WWTP.
Y Y+ N N/A
Assume $25,000 for
wind (see project 15);
solar estimate from
Aurora is $140,000 for
Admin building
Wind is up to 30
years, solar is 50+
years
0.22 for
wind and
1.52 for
solar
Assume 5,000 to 6,000
kWh per year per wind
turbine. 36,000 to 44,000
kWh for solar
3 to 5 for
wind; 16 to
18 for solar
$600 to $800 per
turbine. $3,000 to
$4,000 for solar
19
Waste Water Treatment Plant
Energy Efficient Blowers
Public Works
Replace existing blowers at WWTP with newer more efficient
blowers
Y
Y- N 6,143,589 kWh for entire WWTP $600,000 to $800,000
30-40 years
6.52 to
8.69
250,000 kWh to 300,000
kWh annually (4.5% of
WWTP energy use)
104 to 125
$17,000 to $21,000
IP Custom Program - could reimburse up to
70%; IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan
Fund and Planning Grant Program
20
Point Source Water Meter
Readers
Public Works
A program to replace water meters City wide with point source
read meters allowing remote readings to reduce vehicle miles
traveled; Increased efficiencies over the long term
Y Y Y- 14,000 vmt
$8,000,000 to
$12,000,000
50+ years
86.9 to
130.4
14,000 vmt + vehicle
maintenance cost +
improved efficiencies
123
$2,000 to $3,000 +
maintenance costs and
efficiencies.
IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund
and Planning Grant Program
21
Public-Private Wind Turbine
Project
None
Lease to own wind farm pilot project. The project would include
contracts to purchase wind turbines with payback on investments
Y Y- N
N/A
$1.8 to $3.9 million
per (1.5 MW) turbine
Could be 3 to 10
years
19.56 to
42.39
7,700,000 kWh to
16,700,000 kWh
3,217 to
6,977
$540,000 to
$1,170,000
Rural Energy for America Program
22 WWTP Struvite Production Public Works
Install a facility to produce struvite from WWTP solid dewatering
side stream.
Y Y+ Y 6,143,589 kWh; 165,201 Therms
$1,500,000 to
$2,000,000
5 to 8 years
16.3 to
21.7
1,400,000 kWh to
1,800,000 kWh
585 to 752
$100,000 electrical
costs; $161,000 in P
recovery; $240,000 to
$300,000 total
IDEQ Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund
and Planning Grant Program
Limited to Low Potential Energy Projects
23
Solar bollards as pathway
lighting
Parks
Install solar bollards on future pathways identified by the city. It is
assumed that these lights will replace high intensity street lights
N Y N
24
Fleet - Efficient Battery
Replacement Program
All
Replace batteries of existing fleet cars with more efficient energy
saving car batteries
M N N Minimal
25 MDI Compressed-Air Cars All
Explore vehicle replacement program for MDI zero emissions
vehicles
Y Y Y+
$707,985 cost or 102,750 gallons
total
$16,000-$20,000 per
car
$3.25 per gallon
26
Ice Storage Cooling for Air
Conditioners at City Hall
Other
Replace existing air conditioners at City Halls with newer AC that
utilizes ice storage for cooling capabilities
Y Y N 75,420 kWh Minimal
27 City Hall Hand Blowers
Building
Maintenance
Replace existing paper towel dispensers with hand blowers
N Y Y None
Replacing a manual facility
with an electric facility
28
Statistical Process Control
(SPC) for Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Public Works
Use SPC technology and verification process to optimize operations
at the WWTP. Hire external engineers to evaluate operations,
interview operators, and review instrumentation and controls
Y- Y- N 6,143,589 kWh $300,000 to $500,000
Potential for 5% to
20% of electricity
3.26 to
5.34
307,179 kWh to 1,228,717
kWh
128 to 513
$15,000 to $100,000
annually
None
29
Turbines at Pressure Zone
Boundaries
Public Works
Install Turbines at Water Distribution Pressure Zones to generate
energy.
Y- Y- N Not available
30 Waterless or low flow urinals
Building
Maintenance
Replace existing flush toilets with low flow or waterless urinals to
decrease city water use over the long term.
N Y N
avg 18 gallons per person per
day; 260 work days year; $1.50
per 1000 gallons
$400 per urinal
avg of $1.50 per
1,000 gallons
0.004 per
urinal
40,000 gallons of water per
year per urinal
None N/A
31
Upgrade Lighting in Fire
Stations
Fire
Replace existing light fixtures at Fire Station with newer more
efficient lighting
Y Y N
100,000 to 150,000 kWh (3
Stations- Assume lights use 30%
of total electricity use)
Minimal Idaho Power initial audit is free.
32
Energy Audit of Fire Stations 1
and 2
Fire
Perform detailed building energy audits on identified City Fire
Stations; Based on energy baseline operations.
Y
Y- N 247,200 kWh + 12,132 Therms Minimal
Idaho Power - Initial audit is free. Eligible
for EECBG Retrofit and Ramp Up Program -
Topic Area 1
33
Purchase Electric Vehicles for
Park Maintenance.
Parks
Vehicle replacement program with electric vehicles, for those
vehicles that make sense
Y N N
$37,319 in fuel or 10,976 est
gallons
Minimal
34 Potable Water Storage Public Works
Install additional potable water storage to promote off-peak
pumping (est. 2,000,000 gallons). Coordinate energy savings with
current city pumping and peak load operations.
Y N N None
$2,000,000 to
$3,000,000
Idaho Power incentive for minimizing
usage during peak loads
The calculations contained herein are planning-level assessments and will be used to prioritize and balance potential projects. More detailed assessment of these project should occur
after prioritization
Project recommendations will be based on a combination of cost, feasibility, energy savings, jurisdictional preference, and potential for cost-share or additional funding opportunities.
Costs saved are based on estimated average costs per kWh of $0.07 according to Idaho Power's rates. Therms costs are calculated at $0.8 to $0.96 per hour which correlate to regional
estimates.
Avg gasoline cost is based on a $2.70 estimated average cost per gallon. It should be noted that fuel costs may fluctuate over time.
Potential energy saved is calculated as a percentage of existing facility energy consumption. The percentage used depends on the proposed project. Where feasible, referenced standards
were used
waste
generated
in City
facilities
Existing Annual Energy Use
Approximate
Investment ($)
Payback
Jobs
Created/
Retained
Potential Annual Energy
Saved
Annual GHG
Reduced
(Metric
Tons/yr)
Annual Costs Saved Potential for Additional Funds
EECBG Eligible Projects (Considering Time Constraints, Funding and Eligibility Criteria)
1
Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Strategy
All
Departments
Hire a consultant to conduct an Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Strategy to prioritize and assess projects for energy eligibility
Y Y+ N N/A $48,758
2 Program Administration
All
Departments
Dedicate significant staff time and resources to successfully
administrate and prioritize the EECBG program funding. The
program requires energy reporting after the allocation period and
considerable documentation and coordination efforts
N/A $59,200
3
Retro-Commission Police
Building
Police
Conduct a full energy audit that includes construction and
installation of associated improvements to the Meridian police
building
Y+
Y N 401,691 kWh + 13,960 Therms Up to $120,000
Potential for up to
20% savings
0.86 to
1.3
80,000 kWh +2,500 therms
47
$8,000 to $9,000
Approximate $16,000 in Idaho Power
Incentives
4
LED/Green Energy Street
Light Conversion Corridor
Public
Works/ACHD
Replace street lights with more efficient or renewable energy
powered lighting. Explore Franklin to Fairview or I-84 to Fairview
corridors.
Y
Y+ N
Estimated Franklin to Fairview=
104,244 kWh; Franklin to 1-84
=45,990 kWh
Franklin to Fairview=
$90,000; Franklin to
1-84=$43,000
20-25 years based on
50% savings
1.44
Based on 50% savings
assumption: 52,000 kWh +
23,000 kWh = 75,000 kWh
Up to 31
Up to $6,000
There are no Idaho Power incentives for
outside lighting.
5
Change out Light Switches to
Motion Sensors in Fire
Stations
Fire
Replace old light switches in all buildings with new motion detector
light switches.
Y
Y N
393,321 kWh (at all fire stations)
$9,000 to $10,000 w/o
installation
30%-50% savings, 1-3
year payback; will
depend on
occupancy
0.11
40,000 kWh to 50,000 kWh
21
$2,500 to $3,500 $40 Idaho Power match per sensor
6
Bike & Pedestrian Pathway
Design and Construction
Parks
Construct pathways to increase connectivity for pedestrians and
bicyclists in Meridian and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Two
options: Connect Fothergill path to an existing pathway network,
this connection is 216’ long by 10’ wide. Five mile path segment
“E’, this path connects Linder Road to Ten Mile Road and is 1.06
miles long.
N
Y N
None
Fothergil path =
$8,500; Five Mile Path
= $57,000 for design
only. $65,500 total
8 to 12 years
0.71
46,000 vmt and 2,500 to
3,000 gallons of gas
26
$6,500 to $8,000
None
7
Efficient Equipment
Replacement (variable speed
pumps, etc.)
Public Works
Install more efficient pumps and motors at WWTP. Public Works
currently operates a total of approximately 230 horsepower for
pumps, 800 horsepower for blowers and 3.25 horsepower for
Clarifiers that are not on variable speed drives. The rest of the
pumps, blowers, etc. operate on variable speed drives.
Y
Y- N
230 hp for pumps, 800 hp for
blowers and 3.25 hp for
Clarifiers
$125,000 to $175,000
3 to 6 years
1.35 to
1.9
500,000 kWh to 700,000
kWh annually
209 to 292
$30,000 to $50,000
annually (based on
current consumption)
Idaho Power could pay $60 per
horsepower converted. This could be up to
$25,000.
8
Change out Lighting at
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Public Works
Replace existing light fixtures at WWTP with newer more efficient
lighting. Total of 68 fixtures anticipated. WWTP 6,143,589 kWh +
165,201 Therms
Y
Y N N/A
$15,000 to $16,000 w/
installation
2 to 5 years. 30% to
50% of current usage
0.17 70,000 kWh to 80,000 kWh
29 to 33
$5,000 to $6,000
Idaho Power incentive of $6,174.
9
Video Conferencing pilot
project for Fire Stations
Fire
Install video-conferencing capabilities for certain departments to
decrease vmt travel between city facilities. Assume $2.70 per
gallon. Current cars for fire get 4 mpg. This would include video
installation in 1 to 2 buildings as a pilot project.
Y
Y N 3,000 vehicle miles $20,000.00 7 to 8 years 0.22
3,000 vehicle miles; 750
gallons
7 $2,025 None
High Potential Energy Projects
10
Meridian Incubator -
Vengaworks Solar Panel
Energy Transfer Project
Building
Maintenance
Install solar panel on Vengaworks building where installation
infrastructure already exists - transfer solar power generation to
Meridian Incubator
M
Y+ N
None
$100,000 to $120,000
30 to 35 years; Could
be 12 to 15 years
with energy inflation.
1.3 36,000 kWh to 44,000 kWh 16 to 18
Up to $3,000 to $4,000
with power and green
tag paybacks
Vengaworks cost-share
11
Purchase Hybrid Vehicles (or
other energy efficient
vehicles) for Public Works
Public Works
Vehicle replacement program with energy efficient vehicles, for
those vehicles that make sense. Potential for 2-5 cars
Y
N N 211,470 vmt total for PW
Assume $26,000 per
car or $52,000 for two
cars
18 to 20 yr payback
per car
1.41
Potential for 500 gallons
per car
4
$1,200 to $1,500 per
car (depending on
vmt)
Eligible for EECBG Retrofit and Ramp Up
Program -Topic Area 1
12
Energy Efficient Vehicle(s) for
Code Enforcement and Admin
Other
Vehicle replacement program with hybrid vehicles, for those
vehicles that make sense (no work trucks, etc). Potential for 8-10
cars.
Y
N N
15,000 vmt per car or 150,000
vmt for all cars
Assume $22,000 per
car
11 to 12 years per
car
2.39 700 gallons per car
6
$1,800 to $2,000 per
car
Eligible for EECBG Retrofit and Ramp Up
Program -Topic Area 1
13
Electric golf carts for
maintenance vehicles
Parks
Department
Replace some existing maintenance vehicles with electric golf
carts. Would remove the use of fuel with electric use where
feasible.
Y
N N
$37,319 in fuel or 10,976 est
gallons
$20,000 to $25,000 for
two Toro Workman
MDE's
30+ years
0.25
200 to 230 gallons
2
$550 to $650
Eligible for EECBG Retrofit and Ramp Up
Program -Topic Area 1
14
Employ Digester Gas for
Building Heating at
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Public Works
Capture heat from combustion of digester gas and use energy
onsite. Construct a hot water distribution system at the WWTP.
Current Energy use of 6,143,589 kWh + 165,201 Therms
Y
Y Y
Current total use of 165,201
Therms for whole WWTP
$500,000 to $750,000
13 to 20 year
payback
5.43 to
8.15
35,000 to 40,000 Therms
202
$30,000 to $40,000
Idaho Power Bundle Incentives- up to 30%
to 70% of project cost
15
Wind Energy Conversion
Facilities on Public Buildings
All
Install wind power faculties on public buildings that generate
energy - can be sold back to Idaho Power or use for City purposes
Y
Y+ N Various
$20,000 to $25,000
per unit
avg of 30 year
payback
0.22 per
turbine
Assume 8,000 kWh to
11,000 kWh per year per
turbine
3 to 5
$600 to $800 per
turbine
Rural Energy for America Program
16
Video Conferencing for Fire
Stations after pilot project
Fire
Install video-conferencing capabilities for certain departments to
decrease vmt travel between city facilities. Assume $2.70 per
gallon. Current cars for fire get 4 mpg.
Y Y N 9,000 vehicle miles $40,000.00 7 to 8 years 0.43 9,000 miles; 2,250 gallons 20 $6,000 None
The calculations contained herein are planning-level assessments and will be used to prioritize and balance potential projects. More detailed assessment of these project should occur
after prioritization
Project recommendations will be based on a combination of cost, feasibility, energy savings, jurisdictional preference, and potential for cost-share or additional funding opportunities.
Costs saved are based on estimated average costs per kWh of $0.07 according to Idaho Power's rates. Therms costs are calculated at $0.8 to $0.96 per hour which correlate to regional
estimates.
Avg gasoline cost is based on a $2.70 estimated average cost per gallon. It should be noted that fuel costs may fluctuate over time.
Potential energy saved is calculated as a percentage of existing facility energy consumption. The percentage used depends on the proposed project. Where feasible, referenced standards
were used
brainstorming
session were
included in the
City’s Energy
Strategy. This
provides a list of
long-range
projects that can
be pursued over
time.
THE BASIC PROJECT
PRIORITIZATION
PROCESS
PROJECTS
procedural approach to improving energy efficiency of its day-to-day operations. Example
policy options and associated reference materials are provided in the Strategy that will
facilitate successful implementation. Example policy or program options should be tailored
to meet the City’s specific priorities and needs .
In order to
analyze a large
number of
potential
projects, a
planning-level
analysis was
created that
estimated
metrics such as
project costs and
savings, payback
periods, and
additional
funding sources.
This approach
provided a
relative
comparison of
project costs,
benefits, and
general
feasibility.
This approach
will help to
shape evolving
success
indicators that
guide decision-
making
regarding future
calculations and template are provided in the Appendix.
The City of Meridian consumed 82,673 million BTU’s (MBTU) in 2008. The City’s MBTU
consumption is equivalent to 13,522,793 kilowatt hours of electricity, 235,503 therms of
natural gas, and 102,750 gallons of fuel. The total annual energy cost to operate the City
in 2008 was approximately $1,421,969. This cost is equivalent to $19.47 per capita based
on 2008 population estimates. The City’s highest consuming energy assets are its
wastewater treatment plant, vehicle fleet, and the City water facilities.
The City of
Meridian Energy
Sectors
2008
Energy
Cost
Parks $43,982
Police $33,505
Fire $41,748
Lights $193,933
Water $240,800
Fleet $353,947
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
$464,156
Energy Baseline Categories
Other $49,890
By creating an
energy baseline
that includes all
City assets,
Meridian will be
able to annually
update their
energy
consumption
and track
fluctuations in
energy cost and
usage over time.
Comparing the
energy use of
City facilities
from year to
year will permit
energy reporting
of the costs and
benefits
Gas
(Gallons)
Electricity
(Kilowatt
Hours)
Natural Gas
(Therms)
Greenhouse
Gas Emission
(MTCO2)
Financial*
32,500 12,589,590 25,000 5,720 $954,058
*Savings to be added to the table include the savings and economic benefits generated by
the implementation of various programs and policies
distinguish the City of
Meridian as a leader
and proponent of
energy efficiency,
sustainability and
resource conservation
The Energy Efficiency
and Conservation
Strategy for the City of
Meridian is a living
document that should
change with the City’s
needs and
technological
innovations.
This document includes
a comprehensive list of
future energy projects
that demonstrate the
City’s long-range
commitment to energy
efficiency.
This will allow
quick
implementation
when additional
funding becomes
available. These
efforts will guide
the City towards
accomplishing
current goals and
setting the
framework for
implementation of
future energy
projects.
Greenhouse
Gas
Emissions
Transportation
Water Solid Waste
Energy Procurement
Are there Supporting Policies and Programs?
A number of policies and programs are outlined in this Strategy that target sustainable
building practices, long-range energy and cost savings and the conservation of resources.
Each of these programs and policies should be pursued for implementation and adoption
to launch City sustainability efforts.
Current
Successes
The City of
Meridian recently
built the new City
Hall as a high-
performance green
building that meets
national
benchmarks for
design,
construction, and
operation. The
building achieved
a silver
certification under
the Leadership in
Energy and
Environmental
Design (LEED)
rating system.
Vision:
The City of Meridian’s vision for 2025 is to continue to be a safe, attractive,
and inviting community that is full of diverse activities. Meridian delivers
quality service, planning, and fiscal responsibility with open spaces, strong
partnerships, and various educational opportunities. Culture, unique
business ventures, and an abundant choice of jobs make Meridian not just a
destination, but a lifestyle.
Focus Areas/Initiatives:
Work together as City Departments with the common goal of economic
excellence, guiding growth, ensuring services meet demand, organizational
excellence, and stewardship of the public trust.
Meridian’s
mission, vision,
and ongoing
initiatives were
incorporated into
the energy
planning process.
These factors will
be integral in
directing policy
options and
implementing the
City’s current and
future energy
projects identified
in the Strategy.
These principles
will help to guide
and centralize the
energy planning
process.