Green Energy Cincy!

A list of projects that Cincinnati has completed and has in the works for responsible energy use and production. Kudos!

• Greater Cincinnati Water Works uses hydroelectric generators within its distribution system to recapture energy from water when it flows downhill. Renovations and upgrades to these generators during the next year will boost production by 600,000 kwh/yr.

• MSD is constructing a new biosolids thermal treatment system that uses the energy value of biosolids as the primary operating fuel source. This replaces the current system that uses more than $2 million per year of natural gas.

• The Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) is in year 2 of its project to replace all Cincinnati traffic lights and walk signs with LED units, reducing the electricity used for these functions by 90%. This project is expected to save 3 million kwh/yr within 4 years, and 6 million kwh/yr when complete.

• DOTE plans to begin a streetlight modernization cycle in 2010 that will improve streetlight efficiency by at least 20%. This project is expected to save 500,000 kwh/yr within 4 years, and more than 4 million kwh/yr when complete.

• The Parks Department has installed a photovoltaic system that generates 20,000 kwh/yr of electricity from the sun at its Eden Park Headquarters, and has pledged to add additional photovoltaic capacity each year for the next 4 years.

• The Parks Department has installed a wind turbine at its Eden Park Headquarters capable of generating 10 kwh of electricity.

• The Parks Department and the Fleet Services Division have installed heating units powered by used motor oil from the City fleet.

• The Building and Inspections Department has launched a pilot project at the Permit Center to encourage voluntary employee behavior changes which conserve electricity. This pilot project is expected to produce 50,000 kwh/yr in energy savings.

• The Public Services Department constructs all new City Facilities to LEED Green Building Standards, and includes energy efficiency upgrades in its facility renovation projects.

• GCWW plans to install photovoltaic capacity each year, with anticipated production of 120,000 kwh/yr after 4 years.