02-04-2013 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2. Utilities i. Energy Use Renewable energy is an important issue for the city of Saint Anthony Village to focus on to meet their goal to be a sustainable city in 2030. Energy use is an important concern as the push for alternative, cleaner sources of energy becomes more prominent. The goal for more sustainable energy use for Saint Anthony Village is twofold. The first part of this is a transition from current sources of energy to site-based, renewable sources. This means increased development of wind and solar energy infrastructure, and as new technologies arise, the city can evaluate and adjust its plans to best meet its energy goals. The second focus of more sustainable energy use is energy efficiency, with a goal of greatly reducing total energy use. An advantage of this dual focus is the ability to concurrently implement both large- and small-scale measures. Goal: Reduce Overall Energy Use by City Departments by the Year 2030 Objective: Transition to more efficient energy use Strategy: Over the next ten years, the City of Saint Anthony Village will begin to replace outdated mechanical systems, appliances, and light fixtures with more energy- efficient options. The City will continue to look at LED and CFL bulbs for use in parks, parking lots, and roads. Working with others, the city may also promote incentives for business to make changes. When mechanical systems in city facilities need replacement, the city will replace such systems with energy-efficient ones that will save money in the long term. As the second part of this strategy, Saint Anthony Village will additionally renovate and retrofit existing structures to improve energy efficiency. Part of this work will involve ordinance updates that promote the use of more sustainable building materials and methods. Buildings consume roughly 40 percent of the U.S.'s overall energy. This is due in part to inefficient building systems, including insufficient insulation and inefficient mechanical systems. Further research and testing of the efficiency of existing structures is needed to assess the current state of city buildings. This information can then be used to update and renovate existing structures to function more efficiently and better meet the needs of the citizens of Saint Anthony Village. The U of M has recently re- commissioned many buildings as part of its It All Adds Up program, and its Energy Management group can be a valuable asset in exploring these options. As opportunities arise and through working with others, the city may also promote incentives for business and residents to make changes to improve energy efficiency. Goal: Reduce Dependence on Outside Energy Sources . am VIA ' 8 i la