Memorandum
City of Lawrence
City Manager’s Office
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager
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FROM: |
Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager
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CC:
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Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
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DATE: |
April 16, 2009
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RE: |
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Background and Candidate Project List |
Included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is an appropriation of funding to the Department of Energy (DOE) for formula-based grants under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. According to the formula, the City of Lawrence is eligible for $858,600 in grant funds through this program. The grant application deadline is June 25, 2009. All funds are to be expended within 18 months of the effective date of award.
As outlined in the summary of the EECBG program, the purpose of the program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to:
· reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
· reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and
· improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other appropriate sectors.
Eligible entities are required to use the funds in a cost-effective manner that is of maximum benefit to the population of that entity and in a manner that will yield continuous benefits over time in terms of energy and emission reductions.
DOE has developed the following core principles to guide entities during the program and project planning process:
· Prioritize energy efficiency and conservation first as the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest way to meet energy demand.
· To maximize benefits over the longest possible terms, entities should look for ways to link their energy efficiency efforts to long-term priorities (especially community economic development, community stabilization and poverty reduction efforts).
· Invest funds in programs and projects that create and/or retain jobs and stimulate the economy while meeting long term energy goals.
· Target programs and projects that will provide substantial, sustainable and measurable energy savings, job creation and economic stimulus effects.
· Give priority to programs and projects that leverage federal funds with other public and private resources, including coordinated efforts involving other Federal programs targeting community development funded through the Recovery Act such as the Community Development Block Grant program , HOME and job training programs.
· To the extent possible, develop programs and strategies that will continue beyond the funding period.
· Ensure oversight, transparency, and accountability for all program activities.
· Enact policies that transform markets, increase investments, and support program goals.
· Develop comprehensive plans that benchmark current performance and set aggressive goals.
In addition to the application, funding eligibility requirements require submission of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) with their application or no later than 120 days after effective date of the award. This plan must include a number of goals and objectives relating to GHG emissions, goals for total energy use and emissions reductions and energy efficiency increase as well as expected outcomes. Staff is determining how the report of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Task Force may be used in this reporting and monitoring requirement.
City staff has reviewed the eligibility requirements and the list of eligible projects as well as city needs and recommendations of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Task Force in order to identify a number of candidate projects for discussion in preparation for a grant submittal. A candidate list is summarized in the table below. This list totals more than $2 million. Please note that these items are not presented in priority order.
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Item |
Estimated Cost |
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Conversion of Traffic Signals to LED |
$ 132,140 |
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HVAC Replacement – Lawrence Public Library |
400,000 |
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HVAC Replacement – Wastewater Plant Administration Building |
370,000 |
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HVAC Replacement – Fire Station #3 |
50,000 |
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HVAC Replacement – Carnegie Library |
300,000 |
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HVAC Replacement – Police Investigations and Training Center (ITC) |
105,000 |
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Exterior Maintenance and Repairs – Police ITC |
75,000 |
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Information Systems Integration Software – Utilities |
65,000 |
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Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Replacement Program – Utilities |
100,000 |
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Cart Barn Upgrade – Eagle Bend Golf Course |
50,000 |
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Gym Light Replacement |
45,000 |
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Installation of Big Fans in Gyms |
45,000 |
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Sports Field Lighting |
400,000 |
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Boiler Replacement – Holcom Recreation Center |
25,000 |
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Lighting Replacement – Union Pacific Depot |
30,000 |
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Window Replacement – Union Pacific Depot |
100,000 |
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Window Replacement – City Hall |
250,000 |
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Energy Manager/Sustainability Coordinator |
TBD |
Conversion of Traffic Signals to LED
Estimated Cost: $ 132,140 to retrofit remaining signals
The City of Lawrence Traffic Engineering Division was the first in Kansas to start using LED lamps in traffic signals and the first to require their use in all new traffic signal installations and upgrades. The program began in the mid-1990’s. To date, nearly 71% of all the traffic signal indications in the city are LED and all new installations are 100% LED.
Traffic signal incandescent bulbs use approximately 135 watts of energy per hour used while LED modules use only 15 watts. When converted to LED, each signal indication is anticipated to yield 120 watts of energy savings per hour of usage.
It can be assumed that on an average, each signal indication stays on for 50% of the time. With that assumption, each LED will accrue an estimated net savings of 525 kilowatts (120 x 24 x 365 x 0.50) of energy each year.
With 2,656 signal indications already converted to LED, the current total estimated annual energy savings in Traffic Signal Operation is 1,375 megawatts. When the remaining 1,084 signal indications are converted to LED, it is estimated that an additional energy savings of 62 megawatts per year, will be realized. This is an additional 40% increase in energy efficiency. This energy savings of completing the conversion is estimated to equate to a $7,425 reduction in energy costs per year.
The estimated cost of $132,140 includes material and labor costs for replacement of 1,084 remaining signal indications. By contracting the work to a private firm rather than using in-house labor, it is anticipated that the LED conversion could be completed in approximately 90 days following award of grant funding.
Replacement of HVAC Equipment and Controls at Lawrence Public Library
Estimated Cost: $ 400,000
The existing rooftop units and chiller at the Lawrence Public Library were manufactured and installed in 1973. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) for the units is 8. The governmental standards for new equipment require a minimum of a 10 SEER rating. It is recommended that the units be replaced with a 14 SEER rated system, which is estimated to provide an energy usage reduction of 25 to 30%. It is also recommended that the controls for the HVAC system be upgraded. The current control system provides a time clock and night setback control of the heating and cooling equipment. A new system would provide improved zone control, static pressure and temperature control of the equipment. Such a system would reduce the infiltration of unconditioned air into the facility.
Replacement of HVAC System at the Wastewater Plant Administration Building
Estimated Cost: $370,000
The current HVAC system on the Wastewater Plant Administration Building consists of several stand-alone units, dating from 1976-2000. In the last few years, the Utilities Department administrative offices have moved to this building, requiring the dividing of some larger rooms to office size rooms, as well as housing sensitive computer systems, servers, lab equipment, and personnel. This project would include programmable thermostats to better control the temperatures of the various work areas as well as decrease the heating/cooling when the rooms are not occupied.
Energy reduction is estimated to be 15% from current usage for heating and cooling of the building.
Proposals for design and construction phase engineering services have been received and are being reviewed. No contract for installation has been issued to date. Staff would have to confirm eligibility of this grant for funding based on the fact that the project design is currently underway.
Replacement of HVAC System at Fire Station #3
Estimated Cost: $50,000
Replacement of HVAC System at Carnegie Library
Estimated Cost: $300,000
Replacement of HVAC System at Police Department Investigations and Training Center (ITC)
Estimated Cost: $105,000
Exterior Maintenance and Repairs at Police Department ITC
Estimated Cost: $75,000
Concrete replacement, tile repair, tuck pointing, caulk and window replacement to the exterior of the ITC in order to provide energy efficiencies.
Information Systems Integration Software
Estimate Cost: $ 65,000
Implementation of this program includes computer software that provides the ability to monitor time series plant process data and events relative to energy usage in the water and wastewater systems. This program would allow operations to monitor real time total energy usage and compare it to the individual unit’s or equipment’s energy draw. The ability to see the real time data gives operations the option to decide what equipment to turn on and in what sequence to affect the energy usage at a given moment. It would also give operations the ability to monitor flow data within the collections system to better manage flows prior to coming into the plant and therefore better manage the use of pumps and energy, relative to other operations data and system models.
It is possible that a reduction in electric usage of 5-10% could be realized by monitoring real time power usage at plants.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Replacement Program and Control System Enhancements
Estimated Cost: $100,000 for replacement of one VFD
The Utilities Department conducts a VFD replacement program to install new or replace inefficient VFDs throughout the water and wastewater system. VFDs have the ability to vary the speed of motors, which in turn run pumps. This ability to vary the motor and pump speed saves energy by allowing the pump speed to match the system demand. This VFD is operated through the SCADA (or control) system, which would also require enhancements to adequately operate the system.
It is estimated that a 5 to 10% reduction could be realized in electricity usage for operation of pumps.
Upgrade Cart Barn
Estimated Cost: $ 50,000
Upgrade the electrical service and wire the cart barn at Eagle Bend Golf Course to allow for the use of electric golf carts on the course instead of gasoline powered carts. The course currently has approximately 62 carts available for rental and 8 maintenance carts, all gasoline powered.
Gym Lights
Estimated Cost: $ 45,000
Replace the existing lights in the gyms at the Community Building, Holcom Park Center and East Lawrence Center with T-5 fluorescent lights. It is estimated that this upgrade will reduce energy usage by 30-40%.
Big Fans in Gyms
Estimated Cost: $ 45,000
Install large fans in the gyms at Holcom Park Center and East Lawrence Center to assist in circulating heated air from the ceiling to the floor. It is estimated that this upgrade will reduce energy usage by 40%.
Sports Field Lighting
Estimated Cost: $ 400,000
Replace existing ball diamond lights at the Holcom Sports Complex and Hobbs Parks with more energy efficient lighting. It is estimated that this upgrade will reduce energy usage by 40-50%.
Boiler Replacement
Estimated Cost: $25,000
Replace the main boiler for the Holcom Recreation Center with a more energy efficient unit. The existing boiler was the original equipment from when the building was built in 1988. There have been a number of advances in technology over the years
Depot Lighting Replacement
Estimated Cost: $30,000
Replace the existing interior lighting system in the historic Union Pacific Depot Building with more energy efficient lighting.
Depot Window Replacement
Estimated Cost: $100,000
Replace the existing windows in the historic Union Pacific Depot Building with more energy efficient units. The new windows will need to be designed and custom built to preserve the historic facility.
City Hall Window Replacement
Estimated Cost: $250,000
Replacement of all windows and casements at City Hall, excluding atrium and first floor entryway with Energy Star rated units.
Energy Manager/Sustainability Coordinator
Estimated Cost: unknown at this time
Included as a priority recommendation in the Climate Protection Plan presented by the Mayor’s Climate Protection Task Force earlier this spring is creation of a full-time staff position to support climate protection and sustainability initiatives. The recommendation indicated creation of a position of climate advisor, reporting directly to the City Manager and serving as a resource to City staff, the Chamber of Commerce and community members to facilitate actions that will result in GHG emissions reductions. It may be possible to cooperate with other entities (ie. Douglas County, School District, etc.) for this position.