For immediate release
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Contact
Roy Kaufmann | 503-823-4799 | Roy.Kaufmann@ ci.portland.or.us
Julia Thompson | 503-823-0229 | Julia.Thompson@ci.portland.or.us
City of Portland awarded $535,000 State Energy Program energy efficiency grant
The Oregon Department of Energy has approved a $535,000 grant to the City of Portland under the State Energy Program (SEP) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The grant for energy efficiency upgrades at city-owned facilities is based on formula dollars sent to Oregon, consistent with an approved statewide energy plan. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) will administer the SEP funds.
"Energy efficiency is the most attainable, affordable and direct path to reduced emissions and a greener city," said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. "With these funds, the City of Portland has the resources to support local business, lower our operating costs, and reduce our impact on our region."
The $535,000 grant will be allocated to the following projects:
Portland City Hall: ARRA funds will contribute $15,000 toward a $30,000 upgrade to City Hall's heating and cooling system where two variable speed drives will be added so motors speeds can be reduced at low use times. This project will cut the building's electric bill by $4,000 per year and reduce carbon emissions by 323 metric tons over the life of the project.
Portland Building: SEP/ARRA funds will contribute $275,000 toward two projects totaling $1,620,000 at the Portland Building. New lighting fixtures and a replacement Energy Management System will be installed to save about $80,000 annually and reduce carbon emissions by 8,500 tones over 20 years.
4 Smart Park Garages: 4 Smart Park Garages in downtown Portland will have their outdated lighting fixtures replaced. The city is considering using an emerging light source - light emitting diodes or LEDs. The grant will cover about $170,000 of the $300,000 to $400,000 project, saving $60,000 each year and reducing carbon 6,400 tons over the next 20 years.
SW 3rd & Alder garage retail spaces: The retail space at the SW 3rd & Alder parking garage will have a new high efficiency boiler installed along with a new cooling tower and four high efficiency heat pumps costing $350,000. ARRA will contribute $48,000. The annual energy bills will be cut by about $12,000 and carbon reduced by more than 1,200 tons.
St. Johns Racquet Center: The St. Johns Racquet Center will have new lighting fixtures added using a $27,448 grant from the State Energy Program and ARRA, saving $16,000/year and reduce carbon emission by 1700 tons over 20 years.
SEP project activities will support the 2030 objective for local government operations from the City of Portland and Multnomah County’s 2009 Climate Action Plan. The objective aims to reduce carbon emissions from City and County operations by 50 percent from 1990 levels.
For more information on project details, contact: Dave Tooze, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Senior Energy Specialist, 503.823.7582.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS)
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) promotes integrated land use planning and development based on sustainability principles and practices. BPS also develops and implements policies and programs that provide environmental, economic and social benefits to residents, businesses and government, which strengthen Portland's position as an international model of sustainable practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps
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