Friday 25 February 2022

Energy efficiency upgrades to help Californian city save $12m

The City of Fullerton in California has been guaranteed savings of $12.1 million (£9m) and a reduction of its carbon footprint following energy efficiency upgrades.

The $8.4 million (£6.25m) project, in partnership with NORESCO, includes the installation of a ground-mounted solar system at the main water plant and carport-mounted solar system at city hall and the police department.

Around 7,700 lighting fixtures will be upgraded to LEDs, which will help reduce the city's energy consumption and in addition, NORESCO will help the city, along with Southern California Edison, to convert nearly 600 pole lights to LED technology.

A total of 15 dual port integrated electric vehicle (EV) chargers will also be insatlled throughout the city.

The project is expected to help reduce the city's annual carbon emissions equivalent to planting 1,306 acres of trees, with both the monetary and carbon savings guaranteed during the contract period.

City of Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said: “The goal of the city's energy savings programme is to upgrade critical infrastructure and deliver economic and environmental benefits, for our residents and our staff. Through this programme, we will leverage guaranteed energy savings to pay for additional renewable energy, replace old and inefficient HVAC systems and place additional electric vehicle charging stations.

“This will allow us to stretch our general fund dollars, while improving community safety and progressing towards our sustainability and climate goals.”