Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To:	Dave Corliss Interim City Manager
From:	Debbie Van Saun Asst. City Manager
cc:	Chuck Soules, Public Works Director Chris Stewart, Asst. Utilities Director Dave Wagner, Asst. Utilities Director
Date:	May 16, 2006
Re:	Energy efficiency measures

Summarized below are the activities staff is pursuing or has established regarding energy efficiencies for City facilities and operations.

Utilities Department

Wastewater

In recent recognition awarded to the department by EPA and other organizations, the criteria evaluated included the overall commitment to the environment and best management practices, including those related to energy efficiencies. This emphasis for department operations is reflected below:

With implementation of audited and certified Environmental Manager Systems (EMS), Utilities Department procedures and management methods must give reasonable consideration to all aspects of environmental issues including energy efficiency. Performance measurements have been established that are related to those efforts and are independently audited to achieve and maintain those EMS certifications.
In every wastewater project at the design phase, staff is working with the consultant to determine the feasibility of doing Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEEDS) certifiable design or incorporating elements of this design standard into a project. We anticipate some projects in the future to pursue this energy efficient standard, specifically the Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility.
In every project, a value based analysis of the energy efficiency of process units and equipment is performed. Along with determining which unit/equipment provides the best case present worth option, consideration is also given to more energy efficient technology, if appropriate.
With extensive automation and monitoring of loads across process units, significant opportunities exist to fine tune and coordinate operations to control energy demand to reduce energy costs and consumption. Established control system models run by HAL, our computer systems, deliver the bare minimum of O2 to the system continuously and at far greater frequency than can be done by even remote operator adjustments. Similar models and options are used for reducing the usage of chemicals as well, many of which have a relative high input of energy at the raw material, processing, and transporting stages.
HAL controls by motion detection or settable time virtually all the lights at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to reduce unnecessary energy consumption when rooms/areas are vacant. Exterior and interior lighting of the WWTP is fairly extensive. For example, there are fifty-seven (57) street lights on the facility campus, not including exterior building lights.
Another side benefit of automation is that the remote and automatic systems, unlike employees, are operable in the dark, in extreme heat and cold conditions. If these were traditional operator functions, besides the additional employees needed, the lights would be on a lot more and the spaces would require more controlled temperatures. Many of the process buildings that would be work areas can be left to fluctuate between just above freezing and higher temperatures than what employees typically expect/tolerate in the workplace.
An aggressive maintenance program keeps heating and ventilation equipment tuned and well maintained, ensuring optimum efficiency. Many unit air filters are monitored with pressure differential indications so if the filters become fouled earlier than our scheduled routine would expect, the condition is monitored and corrected before the routine calls for it.
The WWTP has the capability to reuse internally treated effluents up to 2 MGD for various functions rather than potable water. This reuse certainly conserves the energy needed on the water plant end to treat and transport potable water to the location.
The WWTP generates about 120, 000 cu. ft. of methane gas a day by biological digestion of sludges that is utilized in three 1 million BTU boilers to help meet various process and building heat functions.
Staff is committed to beneficially reusing waste biosolids which replaces traditional chemical fertilization for about 600 acres per year. The chief source of raw materials for chemical fertilizers is natural gas. Therefore the reuse of our biological generated nutrients in lie of chemical fertilizer reduces the use of natural gas

Water:

Energy efficiencies are typically realized when replacing equipment in the water treatment facilities. When items are replaced, the specifications include high efficiency motors (or other equipment – such as the new boiler purchased in the last few years).
Electrical upgrades at the water treatment plants are typically completed with an analysis of the power use and the appropriate power factor considerations. Once this is done, the design engineer will provide recommendations and a cost analysis for improving energy efficiency. The most recent completed report is the second phase Clinton Plant expansion. The report provides information about the use of power correction capacitors to reduce the power factor.
We utilize variable speed drives at the Clinton Water Treatment facility and the booster pump stations. This will be an option at the Kaw Water Treatment facility as we complete new pump improvements in the future. The use of the variable speed drives allows us to operate pumps at the variable rate of the demands. This is turn provides the least cost option for peak power production instead of using constant speed pumps.
The recent upgrade at the Kaw facility included an upgrade of the primary electrical system with new transformers. This revision has allowed the plant to use the 1970 vintage transformers as back up to the plant.

Public Works Department

Solid Waste Division

Waste Reduction and Recycling staff conducted research and developed recommendation for cost effective use of reduced toxicity, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting in city buildings (2004).
Waste Reduction and Recycling Division enrolled City of Lawrence as an Energy Star Partner. ENERGY STAR provides a powerful platform for utilities, state and local agencies, and other organizations implementing energy efficiency programs to make a bigger difference in their communities. Using ENERGY STAR tools and strategies, organizations can reduce program costs and implementation timelines while increasing the efficacy of their programs.
Request for Bid for installation of new acoustical ceiling tile at Solid Waste Annex North Facility provides request for costs for recycled content tiles.
New lamping of Solid Waste Annex North facility (office areas) will utilize 4 foot, 3 bulb, 32 watt T-8 fixtures. The light output is equivalent to existing system, but the energy usage is over ¼ less.
Household Hazardous Waste facilities utilize heat and AC on demand only. Thermostat installed within chemical storage building set at 40 degree when unoccupied to keep hazardous materials from freezing during winter.
The Waste Reduction and Recycling staff coordinates the annual Home Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Homes Tour where exhibitors representing regional builders, architects, heating and cooling experts, home energy supply systems, and alternatively fueled vehicles can display their services and products to the public. Workshops and speakers are slated throughout the day and a Douglas County tour of sustainable homes is provided each year which visit homes and structures featuring passive solar/earth berm, straw-bale constructions, radiant floor heating systems; homes utilizing insulated concrete forms – all features to create more energy efficient healthy spaces.
Grant received from KS Corporation Commission to purchase and distribute compact fluorescent bulbs and vouchers to employees and participants at Home Energy Conservation Fair.
Environmental Procurement Policy (EPP) revision underway to include procurement of energy efficient lighting components within section 4.0 Selected Environmental Products. See www.lawrenceks.org/policies.shtml
The EPP does give preference to products with less ‘embodied energy’ and that we are using City-generated compost/mulch instead having it be trucked in, and purchase from distant sources.
LEDs (light emitting diodes) are installed into traffic signals when they are in need of servicing or when new ones are installed (Traffic Division).
Review currently underway by appropriate technical advisory boards members (Electrical, Plumber and Gas Fitters, Mechanical) with intent to adopt the International Energy Conservation Code will promote wise energy use and provide solid foundation for sustainable energy policies for our community.
Xeriscape landscaping at Solid Waste Annex North Facility encompasses water-saving practices that keep gardens in bloom while reducing outdoor water use anywhere from 30 percent to 60 percent. The landscaping also reduces use of gas-powered lawn mowers by reducing mowable areas by planting native perennials and grasses in lieu of turf grass.
Use of native perennial flowers and grasses reduce use of petroleum-based pesticide and herbicide products.

Building Maintenance Division

The Building Maintenance Division seeks continuous improvement in managing and conserving resources in conjunction with the primary division goal of maintaining thirty (30) City owned facilities. Monitoring the effectiveness of the following measures is another priority for this division.

When lighting is replaced in an existing building we use T-8 lighting with electronic ballasts which emits less heat, uses less energy and extends lamp life.
The lighting in the City Commission room has been replaced with compact fluorescent lighting and other energy efficient lighting.
Different lenses are used in many areas to distribute the lighting as needed.
All mercury vapor lighting is being replaced with high pressure sodium giving twice the light for the same power.
In the downtown, new light pole installations are using 100W or150W high pressure sodium.
We have upgraded the lighting at vehicle maintenance increasing the lighting was achieved without additional energy used.
Airport terminal has been changed to T-8 and compact fluorescent.
The Police Department facility on West 15^th Street is in the process of changing from older high energy consuming fixtures to T-8 and compact fluorescent.
Variable frequency drive fans in the newer buildings are being installed and are required when remodeling.
We have installed electronic computer controlled heating and air conditioning, controlling individual rooms instead of whole buildings. We are fine tuning temperatures and controlling times of operation. We are utilizing outside air, warm or cold when-ever possible.
Preventive maintenance programs servicing heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) units, keeping them in top operational efficiency.
Uses of recycled products such as carpet, ceiling tile, recycled paint, wall-covering, paper supplies and other building materials whenever possible.

Central Maintenance Garage Division

Garage Facility

The central maintenance garage uses a waste oil furnace as our primary heat source. Burning an average of 1,700 gallons of used oil yearly, this unit is thermostatically controlled, as are the facility’s natural gas heaters. The waste oil furnace was upgraded in 2005 to a unit capable of heating the entire shop. This unit will increase the amount of waste oil burned.
The original overhead heaters were replaced with new more efficient units and programmable thermostats installed at each end of the shop. These thermostats are set for lower temperatures in the evenings and weekends. Some of the heaters were lowered from their original height to make for more efficient heating in the bays.
All the original bare steel overhead doors were replaced with new insulated/weather stripped doors.
The three walk-in doors on the north end of the building were replaced with new doors frames and seals. This reduced air infiltration in the winter months.
A current project underway replaces the original air exchanger. This is a high volume heater and fan system required by EPA and OSHA. The original was not dependable, difficult to find parts for, and leaked cold air into the shop. This replacement was started in 2005 and will be complete with in the next few months. The new unit is not only more efficient but is controlled by CO sensors located at each end of the shop. If the carbon monoxide rises to a dangerous level, the unit will exchange air at a rapid rate to reduce the potential for injury.
All the shop lighting has been replaced with low bay lighting fixtures to better light the area and reduce energy consumption. The lighting fixtures in the parts room and offices were replaced with single bulb electronic start florescent fixtures. The rest rooms have been equipped with motion sensors to turn on the lights only when occupied.
A project soon to get underway involves pressurizing the offices and parts room to reduce the infiltration of exhaust gas from the vehicles in the shop. This is a health issue when the overhead doors are open.

Fleet

Vehicle operators are educated about the fuel impact of idling vehicles and the importance of monitoring their vehicle fluid levels. Training sessions are held with some departments as part of their safety programs.
Tire pressures are checked as part of every preventative maintenance routine or if a vehicle is in for other repairs. Low tire pressure is one of the biggest contributors to poor fuel mileage.
The use of synthetic rear axle fluids has been introduced into our light duty fleet along with hydro-cracked engine oils to increase mileage and extend engine life.
Ultra low sulfur diesel will be introduced later this year. It will require a supplement to increase lubricity. The most economical and environmentally friendly supplement we have been able to find is bio-diesel. The current plan is to run a 2% blend to begin with and work to a 5% level over the course of six months. Depending on cost, we may recommend a higher blend level later next year.
In 2001 the division ran a pilot program for the corn growers association with E-85. At the time we found this fuel to be too expensive to invest in the required infrastructure. We continue to purchase E-10 when the price is in line with regular unleaded.

Parks & Recreation Department

Recreation Division

The attached flyer is used and posted by the Recreation division to remind customers and employees alike of the importance of conserving resources.

Facilities Maintenance Division

Holcom Park Center - Night setback thermostat, electronic ballasts with T8 lamps, misc. occupancy sensors, energy efficient 320 watt lamps in gym and new HVAC in 2003.
East Lawrence Center - Electronic ballasts with T8 lamps, misc. occupancy sensors, energy efficient 360 watt bulbs in both gyms, variable speed motor drives on big gym fan motors. Gym lights are not used in big gym during the day.
Community Building – Staff is rebuilding lights when time allows with electronic ballasts and T8 lamps. Misc. occupancy sensors, energy efficient 360 watt bulbs in gym, programmable thermostats and racquetball court with 42 watt fluorescents
Eagle Bend Clubhouse - 20 watt fluorescent can lights.
1900 Moodie Shop - Electronic ballasts and T8 lamps, occupancy sensors and using 320 watt units in shop area when existing units fail.
Forestry Offices - New heat pump, electronic ballasts and T8 lamps.
Turf Offices - Electronic ballasts and T8 lamps, occupancy sensors.
Landscape Offices - Electronic ballasts and T8 lamps.
Cemetery House - New Furnace, electronic ballasts and T8 lamps in office area.
CLSC Maintenance Shop - Electronic ballasts and T8 lamps and misc. occupancy sensors.
Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center - Electronic ballasts and T8 lamps with misc. occupancy sensors and programmable thermostats. Pool lights are only used when needed and usually not only half of the lights are used for recreational swimming.
Lawrence Aquatic Center - Variable speed drive on main pump motor.
Carl Knox Pool - Variable speed drive on main pump motor.
Other Miscellaneous Areas-

Ø Misc. LED exit lights.

Ø Court and field lighting upgraded to Musco or Qualite metal halide lamps (Hobbs field is still old style self contained metal halide).

Ø Most parking lot, parks and exterior of buildings are high pressure sodium.

Ø All court and skate park lights are on a timer / push button systems to assure lights do not come on until start button is pushed and then are shutoff when timer gets to preset time.

Ø Fountains in parks are on timers so they only operate during park hours.

Ø Lights in buildings are only used when rooms are in use. Signs are posted to remind staff and patrons.