Retrofitting

Whether it’s buses, stoplights or city buildings, local governments are investing in retrofitting.  For example, the San Diego City Council approved a $4.3 million energy-efficiency retrofit to the Police Headquarters to make it virtually independent of the power grid and accomplished it at no additional cost to the City. Improvements include a co-generation plant, photovoltaic, efficient lighting, window tinting, and an energy-management system.

Reports also cite some positive environmental actions taken by City Hall, including the recent retrofitting of light fixtures, which already is saving $130,000 a year in energy costs. Eighty-six percent of the City's signaled intersections upgraded to energy-efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs), which replace incandescent lights. Each year these LEDs reduce energy usage by 13,212 megawatt-hours, eliminate 7,437 tons of greenhouse gases, and save the City $1.3 million (March 2002).

Cities can save both energy and money by updating a building's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.  By the most conservative estimate, San Jose’s environmental programs now save the city government $6 million a year. When savings to the community are included, the total reaches over $15 million.  You can also contact the Apollo Alliancefor more information.

Upgrading Buses

 In 2000, New York City received funding of $250 million for an enhanced Clean Fuel Bus program.  This plan, when combined with MTA's prior commitment to clean fuel vehicles, will result in more than 1,000 new clean fuel buses in service -- more than double the number anticipated in MTA's prior clean fuel bus plan. There are many other initiatives available for clean fleets.

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