Energy
Encourages energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green power purchasing.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory
The city of Richmond has developed a
baseline greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions inventory for the calendar year 2008. A GHG emissions inventory is an assessment of energy use
from various sources, like electricity in homes or fuel in cars, and their associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Working with ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, the city conducted both a community-wide inventory
and a government operations inventory for the city of Richmond.
In 2008, Richmond was responsible for almost 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
This figure represents the sum of all inventoried emissions for Richmond and not total emissions. The city conducted
the inventory in order to have the necessary data to start identifying energy and cost saving measures, create a
strategy to reduce emissions, and provide baseline data to help develop future initiatives and monitor success.
The next step is the development of a Sustainability Plan.
FAQs about the GHG Inventory
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Resolution
City Administration is following a
resolution adopted in January 2009, to apply LEED standards to eligible new and existing city facilities.
The city is building its new facilities and renovations that are over 10,000 square feet to a LEED Silver standard.
Four new schools and a new Fire Station will all be LEED Silver. The renovated Justice Center will also be LEED
Silver.
Digester Gas Recovery at Waste Water Treatment Plant
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is implementing a process to capture and use the
excess digester gas flared during the processing of waste water. This will result in enhanced efficiency
and cost savings.
LEED Training for City Employees
The city is using Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds to train plan reviewers,
inspectors and other city employees about sustainable building principles.
Energy Efficiency Retrofits in City Facilities
To enhance energy savings, the city has conducted many energy efficiency retrofits including roof
replacements on five city facilities to install white reflective roof systems to reduce energy consumption by
30 percent; installing high efficiency boilers, automation controls and air handlers in city hall and other
facilities; and renovating city libraries.
EnergyCAP
The city implemented EnergyCAP, a comprehensive energy tracking and analytical software system,
to help it manage its energy use more wisely. The system enables the city to accurately track and measure energy
use in city facilities.
Department of Information Technology (DIT) Energy Reduction Programs
DIT implemented programs to reduce energy and resource use. Its iPower program remotely controls PCs,
and its Page Center program creates web reports saving 500K printed pages monthly.
Light-emitting Diode (LED) Traffic Lights
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is converting existing incandescent traffic signals including pedestrian
signal heads in all 469 signalized intersections to LED lights for energy savings and greater efficiency.
Solar Powered Street Lights
Through a pilot program, DPU installed solar powered street lights in the Randolph West
Subdivision. It is measuring performance to determine whether to expand the program.
City Fleet Efficiency Measures
To enhance fuel efficiency and cost savings, the city is implementing measures that include
using alternative fuels and synthetic oil to extend the length of time between oil changes. Recently,
the city of Richmond implemented the use of 25 Waste Hauler Trucks run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG),
saving the city an estimated $1 million in long-term savings and reducing its carbon footprint from the
city’s fleet.
Richmond Region Energy Alliance (RREA)
Richmond has been working with its regional partners on an exciting residential energy
efficiency initiative. The
Richmond Region Energy Alliance (RREA) is a non-profit working to bring
energy efficiency retrofits to scale in the Richmond Region by creating a one-stop-shop resource for
homeowners. Its board of directors includes representation from the city of Richmond, Chesterfield County,
Henrico County, Richmond Region Planning District Commission, VA Dominion Power, Capital One, Home Depot,
Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Municipal League, Better Housing Coalition, ElderHomes,
as well as consultants and architects.
MyEnergy
MyEnergy helps households track their
actual energy and water consumption on the Internet. Households earn rewards points each month for saving energy
and water then redeem their rewards points with a local Richmond business. Homes are reducing their energy use
and greenhouse gas emissions and households are healthier because their homes are more efficient.
Learn more about MyEnergy and sign up
for a free MyEnergy account.
