Sustainable Energy
The Office of Sustainability's mission is to reduce energy consumption in city-owned facilities for the purpose of reducing the City's carbon footprint while cost-effectively lowering operational costs and insuring occupant comfort and safety.
Achievements:
- Since 2007, Providence school energy managers have made a concerted effort to reduce energy use. To date, they have saved the City almost $8 million. 11 schools have received Energy Star labels.
- The City of Providence has committed to purchasing at least 20% of the energy it consumes annually from clean renewable sources by 2010. As of December 1, 2007, the City has purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) equivalent to 100% of the electricity consumed by City Hall - a 25/75 mix of local New England and national RECs, as recommended by the Clean Energy Task Force, now named the Environmental Sustainability Task Force.
- The City will continue to ensure that all new purchases in all municipal buildings and city-funded affordable housing will be Energy Star approved. Additionally, all city-funded housing must use LED lights, thermal pane windows, as well as energy star appliances and mechanics.
- The City has installed 15 solar-powered "Multi-Space Parking Meters" since 2005, with plans to expand.
- The City has replaced incandescent traffic lights with LED lights. This initiative has thus far resulted in $100,000 rebates from the electric company. These LED lights use 10% as much energy as incandescent bulbs.
For information about how you can utilize some of the City's incentives to lower your energy costs, click here for info on the Residential Energy Efficiency Loan.
For information about renewable energy efforts at the Field's Point Wastewater facility, click here for info on the Narragansett Bay Commission's Wind Turbine Project.