Tuesday 15 September 2015

Green project to save US city $2.2m in energy costs

A city in the US is expected to save thousands of dollars every year in energy costs as a result of its new green project.

The City of Grand Rapids in Michigan has completed the first phase of its sustainability plans at its wastewater treatment plant.

It included upgrading the plant, "mainly focused on energy performance and expected energy escalation rates".

It is expected to help save $2.2 million (£1.4m) over 15 years, according to OpTerra Energy Services which was contracted for the project.

The new measures will also help the city cut carbon emissions by more than 2,800 tons – equivalent of removing 600 cars from the road every year, it added.

The city also worked on broader, long term plans to reduce carbon emissions by 10,000 metric tons and increase energy efficiency and conservation at its facilities by 10%.

John Mahoney, CEO of OpTerra Energy Services said: "It has been a great experience partnering with the City of Grand Rapids to help achieve their sustainability goals across facilities, starting with the Waste Water Treatment site.

“Grand Rapids is setting the bar for other municipalities across the country to show how energy efficiency improvements can jumpstart a long-term sustainability plan with multiple benefits to the environment, the economy and the local community."