The results of an energy audit commissioned earlier this year indicated the city pays 75 cents more per square foot of space for utilities than the national average -- to heat and cool its buildings, pay for the lights and other utility-related costs.
The city now pays $1,468,000 yearly; and the national average is only about $1,200,000 -- according to the survey.
IMPROVEMENTS COULD PAY FOR THEMSELVES
According to the auditor, Joel Lowery of the LINC GROUP Inc, by installing more energy efficient systems using green technologies such as solar power, LED lights, computerized controls, et al -- the city could cut 20 to 50% from its current costs; and there is a way to guarantee installation at no cost to the city ("self-funded").
The major benefit being no up-front capital costs (estimated to be $4 million); the long term energy savings themselves will pay for the project -- via a long term lease-type arrangement, according to Lowery.
City Administrator Mims: "There is a state law that allows you to retrofit facilities ... to save energy ... and take the savings to do the work ... ."
Lowery: "Its an opportunity for Fairhope to become more energy efficient ... allows for the city to implement projects without any capital dollars ... ."
CITY HALL A PROBLEM
Mayor Kant said the old 1983 vintage air conditioning system for city hall (it had been a grocery store previously) and the adjacent civic center were a large part of the problem.
The Mayor/council will decide whether to move forward at a future meeting.
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