HomeMy WebLinkAboutVail Energy Action Plan 2007
Town of Vail
Energy Action Plan
Final Version: 11/2/2007
118 W. 6th, Suite 200
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-945-1004
Fax: 970-945-5948
danr@sgm-inc.com
Table of Contents
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 2 of 64
Section 1: Introduction Page 3
Executive Summary
Community Benefits = Energy Solutions
How this Plan Works
Section 2: Inventory Page 11
Inventory Methodology
Summary of Data
Town of Vail’s Reduction Goal (proposed)
Section 3: General Policy Page 16
Current Policies
Innovative Policy Strategy
Innovative Policy Solutions
Innovative Policy Resources
Section 4: Building Management Page 24
Inventory Baseline Data
High Performance Building Strategy
High Performance Building Solutions
High Performance Building Resources
Section 5: Fleet Management Page 29
Inventory Baseline Data
Fuel Efficient Fleet Strategy
Fuel Efficient Fleet Solutions
Alternative Fuel Analysis
Alternative Vehicle Analysis
Section 6: Public Works Page 39
Inventory Baseline Data
Integrated Strategy
Integrated Solutions
Section 7: Future Considerations Page 43
A p p e n d i x : P a g e 4 5
ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Manufacturers/Distributors of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Efficiency Worksheet for Capital Improvement Projects
High Performance Building Process
Bus Idling v. New Bus Barn Analysis
Existing Municipal Bldg v. New Building Analysis
Building Recommendations
Section 1 Introduction
Executive Summary
"Give me a place to stand and with a
lever I will move the whole world."
- Archimedes
Local governments have the power, perhaps more than any other group in the world, to
reduce global warming pollution. Cities and Towns control the day-to-day activities
that determine the amount of energy/water used and waste generated in their
communities - from land use and zoning decisions to control over building codes and
licenses, infrastructure investments, and management of schools, parks and recreation
areas. Municipalities, as a group, are also the largest consumers in the world,
consuming roughly 75% of the world’s energy. With so many points of intersection,
local governments are uniquely positioned to lead by example and influence citizen
behaviors that directly affect climate change such as transportation options, energy
consumption patterns in buildings, and general consumer decisions.
A variety of actions can be incorporated to reduce global warming pollution, and like
any challenge, requires dedication, diligence and patience. The intent of this Energy
Action Plan (EAP) is to initiate a comprehensive effort within Town of Vail operations
to begin meeting that challenge.
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Section 1 Introduction
Background
In 2005 the Town of Vail initiated an effort to implement an Environmental
Management System protocol, with help from John Gitchell. The intent was to create
an overall structure to manage and track progress of its environmental initiatives.
Methods and procedures were established for each department and Bill Carlson, the
Environmental Health Director has been managing the process ever since.
In 2006 Bill attended Aspen’s Climate Action Conference which spurred an interest to
create a greater focus on energy, within the existing framework of environmental
management. With support from the Town Council to pursue this initiative, as well as
to explore the feasibility of a green building code, Bill Carlson contracted with SGM to
create a baseline inventory of Town facilities and fleet vehicles for 2006, develop an
action plan to act as the guiding document to reduce overall energy use, and provide a
feasibility analysis of a potential green building code. This document includes the
baseline inventory and the Energy Action Plan.
It should also be noted that shortly after the Town initiated its effort to focus on energy,
Vail Resorts made a commitment to offset 100% of its company-wide electricity use by
purchasing approximately 145,000 megawatt-hours of wind energy for its five
mountain resorts, lodging properties, and retail stores. This is no small commitment.
There appears to be some momentum in Vail.
Vail’s ‘Carbon Footprint’
The Town of Vail is essentially taking responsibility for its role in the climate/energy
challenge by assessing, or ‘inventorying’ its impact in this report. This entailed taking a
snapshot of the Town’s energy use/global warming pollution at a given period of time.
It was agreed that to do this, an inventory of energy use from Town facilities and fleet
vehicles and the resulting global warming pollution should be inventoried for the year
2006. This inventory also includes water use in Town facilities and its resulting energy
use and global warming pollution. During 2006 the Town of Vail used:
• 6,806,567 kilowatt hours (kwh) of electricity;
• 454,434 therms of natural gas; and
• 14,582,000 gallons of water; and
• 229,120 gallons of transportation fuel.
For this, the Town spent $1,422,610 and the resulting global warming pollution was:
• 11,863 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e - aka global
warming pollution).
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Section 1 Introduction
The share of this energy use/global warming pollution can be split as follows:
• Buildings: 71%
• Transportation: 21%
• Irrigation, street lights and misc.: 8%
Clearly buildings and the energy included in this sector should be a significant focus for
future action. The Town of Vail owns and operates over one hundred thousand square
feet of buildings, and in them lay great opportunity to save energy, reduce costs,
improve comfort & productivity and minimize pollution. This isn’t to say opportunity
doesn’t exist in the other sectors, but the ‘bang for the buck’ will be found in the
building sector.
Although this ‘baseline’ information in itself does not tell a story or provide much
perspective, in this report there are metrics listed that will allow the Town to compare
this information with future years, other municipalities, or whatever it desires. It is
important to note that the primary objective was to simply set the baseline so that
progress in reducing energy use/global warming pollution can be accurately tracked.
For this report, the Municipal Energy Tracker (please refer to the ‘Inventory’ section
for a description) was created so that Town staff can continue to track data, assess
performance and evaluate projects. Tables and charts with additional, more specific
data from Vail’s Energy Tracker are included throughout this report. The electronic file
is available through the Environmental Health Department.
The Power of Vail
The remainder of the report is dedicated to identifying solutions for the Town of Vail to
meet the Energy Challenge described above. These solutions are intended to provide
the framework to achieve the recommended goals of reducing energy use and global
warming pollution (aka CO2) for the Town of Vail. There are two goals recommended
for the Town of Vail, the first represents a timeframe that allows time for
implementation, yet is near enough to measure significant progress. The second goal is
based on what scientists report as necessary to avoid catastrophic climate change from
global warming. The goals are as follows:
30% below 2006 levels by 2020
80% below 2006 levels by 2050
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It should be noted that meeting these goals will be a significant challenge, potentially
unlike any challenge the Town of Vail has ever faced. However Vail is uniquely
positioned to capitalize on its international spotlight and play a meaningful role in
acting on this challenge. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the Town annually, and
millions pass through it. Visitors include world leaders, corporate executives, and in
general a collection of people driven to improve the world. It is evident that Town
employees share the same drive. Several initiatives have already taken root, there is
great support to implement the ideas imbedded in this action plan in Town operations
and it appears there are the resources to bring it to fruition. The Vail community has an
Section 1 Introduction
opportunity to influence the world with its actions. The Town of Vail can continue to
lead by example by implementing solutions to the Energy Challenge.
The solutions listed herein involve every employee, every department and every facet
of municipal operations. The solutions are divided into four broad categories of
‘General Policy’, ‘Building Management’, ‘Fleet Management’ and ‘Public Works’
which is intended to dovetail with Vail’s existing organizational structure. Although the
implementation of these solutions is somewhat self-explanatory by the titles, it is
extremely important that a staff member or committee of staff members be empowered
to oversee overall implementation. Success will undoubtedly require complete
integration with existing policies, ‘buy-in’ from Town Council and Town staff, as well
as appropriation of the necessary financial resources to bring it to fruition.
Next Steps
In an effort to assist the Town in implementing the solutions with the best ‘bang for the
buck’, each action item for every solution has been ranked. The ranking considers cost
and global warming pollution reduction potential. A return on investment analysis for
specific building recommendations is also provided in Vail’s Energy Tracker.
The rankings are intended to guide decisions, but shouldn’t dictate priority.
Collaboration between Town Council, Town staff and interested citizens will likely
inform which solutions are pursued and how rapidly. To highlight the recommended
priorities, the following ‘Top 10’ list is offered. Solutions are listed by order of priority,
which doesn’t necessarily reflect the highest rankings.
1. Establish and support a team of employees to advise Town decisions on ways to
reduce global warming pollution. Support should include dedicated time,
funding & training. (Solution: General Policy 2/2)
2. Contract for an ‘investment-grade’ audit for all facilities that perform 20% or
more below national average, as identified in building benchmark data above.
(Solution: Building Management 1/1)
3. Establish a ‘Municipal Energy Fund’ that dedicates a percentage of new
capital/replacement expenditure to energy efficiency projects. Savings or a
percentage of savings from such projects can also be dedicated for reinvestment.
(Solution: Public Works 1/8)
4. Establish a budget request procedure and evaluation criteria for new
construction and equipment purchases geared to maximizing energy efficiency,
minimizing lifecycle costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Solution:
General Policy 1/7)
5. Develop and adopt energy and resource-efficient building standards for all new
& existing Town facilities. (Solution: Building Management 1/2)
6. Explore funding mechanisms to help reduce GHGs from Town facilities & fleet.
(Solution: General Policy 1/3)
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The 5 Milestones:
ICLEI’s
CCP Campaign
1. Conduct a
baseline
2. Establish a
target
3. Develop a local
Climate Action
Plan (CAP)
4. Implement the
local CAP
5. Measure, verify
and report
Section 1 Introduction
7. Assign a price to offset the energy use/global warming pollution to operate
snowmelt systems and invest in verifiable offsets annually. (Solution:
Building Management 1/2)
8. Commit to generating 5% of Town of Vail’s electricity from renewable energy
resources by 2012. (Solution: Public Works 1/1)
9. Establish policy that accurately accounts for specific departmental energy
use/savings. (Solution: General Policy 1/4)
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10. Establish a local trust, either through the Town of Vail, EVAS, the Governor’s
Energy Office or through another contracted entity to manage a local offset
program that would keep the majority of revenue local. (Solution: General
Policy 4/3)
Section 1 Introduction
Community Benefits = Energy Solutions
“In a typical town, 70 to 80 cents of every dollar spent on energy immediately
leaves the economy. Finding ways to reduce these costs and plug these leaks
initiates a series of local economic benefits.”
– Rocky Mountain Institute’s ‘Community Energy Workbook’
The benefits of community action in affecting climate change go beyond a reduction in global warming.
Innovative solutions with global impact protect local economies as well.
Save Taxpayer Dollars
• Actions that reduce global warming pollution also reduce electricity and fuel use, minimizing energy
costs for citizens, businesses and local governments. In 2005, through ICLEI’s (Local governments for
Sustainability) Cities for Climate Protection® (CCP) Campaign more than 160 U.S. local governments
reported collective savings of over 23 million tons of global warming pollution and $600 million in related
energy and fuel costs.
Build the Local Economy and Create Jobs
• Decreased energy costs and the provision of new energy services and technologies (e.g. energy
efficiency and renewable energy) give local government and private firms a competitive edge. Demand for
energy efficient products and services and for new or alternative energy technologies expands local business
and creates local jobs.
Improve Air Quality and Public Health
• Reducing global warming pollutants also helps cities comply with federal air quality regulations and
preserves federal funding for local projects. These strategies ultimately create less air pollution, which
results in fewer air quality-related public health impacts, such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Improve Community Livability
• Cutting global warming pollution includes measures that also reduce auto dependency and traffic
congestion, clean the air, and contribute to more efficient land use patterns and walkable neighborhoods. In
combination, these types of measures can help build a more livable community.
Connect Communities with National Leaders and Resources
• The expanding network of cities and towns committed to advancing climate protection represent a
significant force of change. Collaborating with other entities will expedite solutions and inevitably produce
better results with wider-ranging benefits.
Create a Legacy of Leadership
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• Taking action on climate change provides tangible benefits for citizens today – and ensures that future
generations will have access to the resources that support healthy, prosperous, and livable communities.
Section 1 Introduction
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How this Plan Works
The intent of the Vail EAP is to initiate a comprehensive effort within municipal
operations to reduce global warming pollution. Its two primary components are the
Inventory (Section 2) and the Solutions listed in Sections 3 – 6. The Inventory
establishes a baseline which in turn helps identify where effort is best spent to reduce
global warming pollution. Following the Inventory is a proposed goal for the Town of
Vail to reduce its global warming pollution.
The second component, the Solutions, is intended to provide a roadmap for these
efforts. By no means are the Solutions intended to be an exhaustive list of potential
solutions, but rather a framework of ideas on which to build specific policies,
procedures and practices.
The sections are arranged by categories specific to how the Town of Vail’s
organizational structure is arranged. Each section is divided into the following sub-
sections:
Strategies – The Solutions listed may or may not be the right solution for the Town
of Vail in every example, so the Strategies are intended to convey the principle
ideas so that different Solutions can be created that align with the same concept.
Solutions – A problem to some is an opportunity for others. Some refer to global
warming as a ‘climate crisis’, however SGM views it as an ‘Energy Challenge.’ For
every challenge there is a solution. The listed solutions are intended to get the ball
rolling in identifying specific action items to reduce global warming pollution.
Priority Rankings $ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
Note that each Solution/action item is ranked to indicate a recommended priority of
implementation. This ranking is not intended to accurately reflect cost or global
warming pollution reduction, but rather to put each action item in perspective,
relative to each other. The first indicator in the sample ranking above represents
cost of implementation. The lower the number (-1 through -3), the more it costs. A
zero indicates that the cost would be negligible. Lifecycle savings are not accounted
for in this indicator. The second indicator is the potential to reduce energy/global
warming pollution. The higher the number (1-3), the more the reduction potential.
Adding the two indicators together, results in the final ranking. For this example,
implementing the action item would have low cost ($ -1) and a medium reduction
potential (CO2
+2). Positive rankings are highlighted in green, while negative
rankings are highlighted in red. A negative ranking does not, however indicate the
item should not be acted on, it simply means it should be a lower priority than a
zero or positive ranking. It should be noted that several other indicators could be
used to rank, or prioritize actions; however this ranking was meant to be simple and
clearly understandable.
Resources – A picture is worth a thousand words, good examples are worth a few
hundred. This section provides web links for any pertinent information, sample
policies, etc.
Section 1 Introduction
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The ‘Inventory’ section summarizes the energy use/global warming pollution from all
Town of Vail facilities and fleet.
The ‘General Policy’ section includes Solutions that pertain to many different
departments, but are primarily solutions that would likely be established at the Town
Council or senior management level. It is envisioned that the Community Development
Department would spearhead implementing the actions listed in this section.
The ‘Building Management’ section provides Solutions specific to managing Town
facilities. It also includes specific Inventory information as well as benchmarking data
for all municipal building energy / global warming pollution. It is envisioned that the
Facilities Maintenance division of the Public Works Department would spearhead
implementing the actions listed in this section.
The ‘Fleet Management’ section provides Solutions specific to managing fleet vehicles.
It also includes specific Inventory information for fuel / global warming pollution. It is
envisioned that the Fleet Maintenance division of the Public Works Department would
spearhead implementing the actions listed in this section.
The ‘Public Works’ section provides Solutions for departments within Public Works. It
is envisioned that the Public Works Department in conjunction with the Community
Development Department would spearhead implementing the actions listed in this
section.
The ‘Future Considerations’ section provides ideas that may be beyond the scope of
this plan but still warrant mention in this plan, such as a discussion about climate
change adaptation.
The ‘Appendix’ provides resources relative to various parts of the plan such as an
analysis of alternative fuels.
Section 2 Inventory
The intent of this inventory is to quantify the primary greenhouse emissions (aka global
warming pollution) from all Town of Vail facilities and fleet. The Town is motivated to
address it global warming pollution, and doing so requires understanding its share of
responsibility. The first step is establishing a baseline for a given year so that
reductions can be tracked and monitored against this baseline.
To facilitate on-going tracking, the Municipal Energy Tracker was used so that future
data can be added, evaluated and reported with ease, consistency and clarity. Most of
the information is included in this report; however interested parties may want to
reference Vail’s Energy Tracker file, which is an Excel file.
Inventory Methodology
There are several greenhouse gases; however this report focuses on carbon dioxide and
methane. To capture these GHG emissions, all electricity, natural gas, gasoline, diesel
and water consumed by the Town of Vail was inventoried. To be more specific, this
includes all energy/water that the Town pays for.
What’s included:
• The energy to heat, cool and power municipal buildings
• The energy to fuel municipal fleet vehicles
• The water used in buildings and irrigation systems
What’s excluded:
• The energy used by privately owned (aka ‘community’) buildings
• The energy used by employees to commute to and from work
• The energy used by contractors to construct buildings, build roads, etc.
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Municipal Energy Tracker
To assist municipalities, counties, businesses, organizations and individuals measure performance;
SGM has developed the Municipal Energy Tracker, comprised of a series of customized Excel
spreadsheets, that easily allows energy & water data to be recorded, analyzed and summarized in
one, easy to use file. The Municipal Energy Tracker was used to create the baseline Inventory
included in Section 2 of this report, as well as all of the tables and graphs included in other sections.
The Tracker does not require technical knowledge and can be used with only a cursory understanding
of Excel. The Tracker will:
• calculate global warming pollution, specific to your area;
• compare recent energy/water use and the unit cost to the previous year;
• sort utility data by specific buildings and departments;
• provide an instant summary report for year-to-date (YTD) info;
• provide a modeling template to evaluate energy efficiency projects and vehicle purchases for
return on investment, simple payback and $/ton of CO2;
• calculate btu’s per square feet for buildings to help gauge energy intensity.
Section 2 Inventory
The most recent calendar year was used as a baseline – 2006. Once energy and water
data is entered, a ‘carbon factor’ is applied to the unit of energy/water to determine the
amount of global warming pollution each source of energy/water is responsible.
It should be noted that using water does not emit greenhouse gases, however the
process to treat/pump water and wastewater does. So the carbon factor associated with
water use reflects the average energy use per 1000 gallons of treated water and
wastewater for a comparable water and sanitation district, as Eagle River Water &
Sanitation District (ERWSD) information was not available.
Carbon Factor
This term refers to the amount of carbon dioxide (aka global warming pollution) released per unit of
energy. Another term for this is an energy source’s carbon intensity. Typically a carbon factor is
expressed as pounds of CO2 per unit of energy. So for electricity an example is:
1.65 lbs of CO2 per kWh
In this example, for every kWh used, 1.65 lbs of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere at the power plant
where the electricity is produced. A carbon factor could also be expressed as lbs of CO2 per BTU* if one
wanted to compare the carbon intensity of different fuels given the same energy output, such as when
deciding whether natural gas or electricity to heat a building is more efficient or cost effective.
The carbon factor of a fuel is an important measurement when determining how to reduce global warming
pollution. For example, the carbon factor associated with electricity in this report was calculated to
accurately reflect the carbon intensity from each source, such as coal, nuclear, hydro-electric and wind-
generated electricity, as reported by Holy Cross Energy. It should be noted that per the solutions
recommended in this plan, electricity may very well be generated by an increasing amount of renewable
(aka non-carbon) energy sources, therefore lowering electricity’s ‘carbon intensity’, and thereby making it
a ‘clean’ source of energy. When electricity becomes cleaner than natural gas and oil, it may be a better
source to meet the needs of heating buildings and/or powering vehicles. Although this would likely result
in more electricity use, global warming pollution could drop dramatically, as there would be less carbon
emitted per unit of energy. This is an example of how important it is to constantly re-evaluate energy use,
always focusing on lowering ‘energy intensity’ and ‘carbon intensity.’
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* British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one
degree Fahrenheit.
Section 2 Inventory
Summary of Data
Below is a summary table for the Town of Vail’s energy/water use and the respective
global warming pollution. Tables with specific information on buildings or fleet
vehicles are listed in the appropriate sections.
Table 2.1: 2006 Total Global warming pollution & cost of energy.
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Section 2 Inventory
Table 2.2: 2006 Total Global warming pollution by sector.
As mentioned above, the intent of this inventory is to create a baseline from which to
measure progress in reducing global warming pollution. The goal for any entity, if it
wishes to reduce its global warming pollution should be to reduce total CO2 emissions.
However it is also helpful to evaluate energy and/or carbon intensity so that incremental
progress is easier to identify. It is likely that as services increase and/or buildings are
added or expanded, so will energy use. In order to gauge energy intensity, metrics, or
useful comparisons must be identified. Metrics specific to building energy and fuel are
listed in the appropriate sections, however for total global warming pollution, the
following may be useful to track carbon intensity.
A possible metric includes comparing total tons of CO2 to:
• Total Town operating expenditures* (useful for comparing to other
municipalities)
11,863 tons of CO2 per $1,000 of expenditure = 0.27 tons in 2006
In other words, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it emits 0.27 tons of CO2.
Another possible metric includes comparing dollars spent on energy to:
• Total Town operating expenditures* on electricity, natural gas & water (useful
for comparing to other municipalities)
$1,442,610 per $1,000 of expenditure = $32.94 in 2006
In other words, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it spent $32.94 on energy
and water.
*2006 total Town of Vail expenditures = $43,800,000
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Section 2 Inventory
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Town of Vail’s Reduction Goal (proposed)
This inventory establishes a baseline to which progress in reducing energy use can be
measured. As mentioned above, there are several ways to structure a goal. The
recommended energy reduction goal (in Btu’s or CO2) for the Town of Vail is as
follows:
30% below 2006 levels by 2020;
80% below 2006 levels by 2050
These goals represent what is reasonably achievable, based on priorities and resources
available. These goals are also consistent with Senate Bill 280, the Climate Stewardship
and Innovation Act, which US Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John McCain
(R-Ariz.) introduced on Sept. 12 of this year. The bill aims to reduce domestic global
warming pollution by 30% below the "business as usual" scenario by 2020 and by 60-
80% from current levels by 2050. The second goal also represents where scientists say
the world needs to be in order to avoid irreversible change.
NOTE: A discussion with Town staff/Council about priorities, resources and goals is
recommended before a target is adopted.
Section 3 General Policy
Decisions get made every second that affect the energy a municipality uses. Products
get purchased, choices get made often without a second thought as to the potential
impact – good or bad – they will have on the world around us. Public policy guides
many of these decisions and therefore has a significant impact on the daily lives of
everyone. Governments are also expected to set the standard and lead by example. The
following strategies and solutions are intended to shape this standard.
Current Policies: Town of Vail
Creating new policy to prioritize energy efficiency is an effective way to reduce energy
use. However existing policies may be in place now that could be modified or simply
enforced. From interviews with various staff members, the following existing policies
were noted that encourage energy efficiency.
Recycling – Recycling of plastic, paper & commingled at Town facilities.
Fuel Use Reports – The Fleets Department currently evaluates reports on annual
fuel use of each vehicle. This is effective in troubleshooting vehicle issues and
driving patterns that can improve fuel efficiency.
Vehicle purchases – The Fleets Department currently evaluates the specific needs
of drivers when new vehicles are purchased. This often identifies possibilities to
downsize vehicles where feasible.
Alternative fuels – Currently there are a few diesel-electric hybrid vehicles in the
fleet and staff usually evaluates hybrid technology when new vehicles are
purchased. Two new hybrid buses will be delivered in the fall of 2007. Biodiesel
was explored in the past and identified as not a good solution.
Innovative Policy Strategies
The most fundamental concept in meeting the Energy Challenge is making energy apart
of every decision. This is no small feat and requires policy with a system of checks and
balances that prioritizes efficient use of energy. This same system must hold
accountable all users of energy so that all decisions – good or bad – inform future
policy so that improvement is continuous. The primary strategies are as follows:
Education - Grow the knowledge database of Town staff of energy efficiency and
clean energy alternatives. Inform the general public about your decisions and your
level of commitment.
Accountability - Put an appropriate value on energy use / the resulting pollution.
Establish a culture that encourages and/or rewards efficiency and discourages
and/or penalizes inefficiency.
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Advocacy - Influence decision makers outside the Town so that the above
mentioned strategies are applied regionally.
Section 3 General Policy
Innovative Policy Solutions
Solution GP 1: Ensure that policy decisions at all levels – Town Council, management and staff - seek
to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
1. Update the inventory of GHGs from Town operations every two years and track
related solid waste, energy, water, economic, and environmental data monthly
starting with 2007 data. $ -2 + CO2
+1 = -1
2. Require franchise agreements with electric and natural gas utilities to provide
annual reports of community-wide energy use/emissions broken down by
s e c t o r . $ 0 + CO2
+1 = +1
3. Explore funding mechanisms to help reduce GHGs from Town facilities & fleet.
$ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
a. GHG reduction fee for town government utility and/or transportation
fuel accounts. A tax on itself, this would either generate a disincentive
for energy use or generate revenue to fund reduction solutions for the
Town. For example, if a 5% surcharge (reserved for efficiency &
renewables) was assigned for all Town natural gas and electricity
accounts, over $43,000 could be available every year.
b. Dedicate existing franchise fees collected from utilities to energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects.
c. System improvement fee and/or a system benefit charge on community-
wide electricity, natural gas, and or water. This would be a fee collected
by the utility, but dedicated to the Town for the purpose of reducing
demand.
NOTE: Explore enacting or utilizing Holy Cross Energy’s (HCE)
‘Community Enhancement Fund’ to finance energy efficiency
projects and/or renewable energy.
d. Waste diversion charge dedicated to global warming pollution reduction,
similar to a system improvement fee.
4. Establish policy that accurately accounts for specific departmental energy
use/savings. $ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
a. Explore allocating energy use/expenditures to the respective Town
department budgets. (See example in text box.)
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Section 3 General Policy
5. Review all major Town policies and programs in the early stages of
development to integrate the goals and actions set out in this plan and to identify
other ways to reduce related global warming pollution. $ 0 + CO2
+2 = +2
6. Require that all staff memos to Town Council requesting action have a section
that quantifies the initial energy use/global warming emissions impact as well as
the lifecycle impacts of the requested action. (Please refer to the ‘Building
Solutions’ or the ‘Vehicle Solutions’ worksheet in the Municipal Energy
Tracker for an example of such evaluation.) $ 0 + CO2
+1 = +1
7. Establish a budget request procedure and evaluation criteria for new
construction and equipment purchases geared to maximizing energy efficiency,
minimizing lifecycle costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Please
refer to the ‘Capital Project Request Worksheet’ in the Appendix for an example
of this.) $ 0 + CO2
+3 = +3
a. Require the evaluation of life cycle costs for all new construction,
additions and remodels during the request phase. (Please refer to the
‘Building Solutions’ or the ‘Vehicle Solutions’ worksheet in the
Municipal Energy Tracker for an example of such evaluation.)
8. Establish a ‘Municipal Energy Fund’ that dedicates a percentage of new
capital/replacement expenditure to energy efficiency projects. Savings or a
percentage of savings from such projects can also be dedicated for reinvestment.
$ 0 + CO2
+2 = +2
9. Establish procurement policies that encourage/require (where appropriate) the
procurement of products producing the lowest global warming pollution
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City of Aspen’s Greenhouse Gas Challenge
Senior management at the City of Aspen challenged every employee and each department to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by reducing gasoline, diesel, natural gas and electricity use 1% per year
below its 2004 baseline. The City then offered employees a year-end bonus for meeting this challenge.
The bonus was based on overall City reductions and individual department reductions. Reductions
were evaluated on energy intensity of productivity and the carbon intensity of energy. Departments had
the option of trading reduction credits amongst each other to meet the challenge so that the market
could guide project selection. After 1 year, the City had reduced its emissions 10%.
Ann Arbor’s Municipal Energy Fund
Since 1998 Ann Arbor’s Municipal Energy Fund has provided city facilities with a source of capital for energy
efficiency retrofits. The Energy Fund provides initial capital for new projects and receives 80 percent of
projected annual energy savings from each installed project for five years. The five-year payment plan allows
projects that have a shorter payback to help support projects with a longer payback, and all savings accrued
beyond the first five years remain with the departments implementing the improvements. The Fund was seeded
by the city with five annual investments of $100,000, and quickly became self-sustaining. Most installed
measures have had payback periods of three to six years, and projects supported by the Fund have yielded a total
of 685 tons of annual CO2e reductions.
Section 3 General Policy
feasible (such as EPA’s ENERGY STAR® or SmartWay™ vehicle
certification). At a minimum this should apply to:
• Vehicles
• HVAC system components
• Lighting components
• Appliances
• Office equipment
$ 0 + CO2
+1 = +1
a. Increase the average fleet fuel efficiency of all vehicles in the Town fleet by
10% by 2010.
b. Maintain the procedure to identify possibilities for downsizing and/or
eliminating vehicles/vehicle use where applicable.
10. Establish policy that requires a net decrease in transportation related emissions
for all municipally-funded development projects compared to existing
conditions (this may involve offsetting new global warming pollution).
$ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
a. Evaluate creating/expediting housing opportunities for staff to live
within town limits to reduce commuting.
b. Establish policy that requires all new Town facilities and operations will
be sited based on access to transit, walking, biking, and evaluated for
encouraging more compact land uses.
11. Minimize construction traffic from municipally-funded projects. (Construction
traffic pollution is not currently accounted for in the inventory.)
$ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
a. Limit parking passes for construction projects.
b. Work with the construction industry and transportation providers to
reduce vehicle trips to and from construction sites. This could include
new services for shuttling workers, tools and materials.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 19 of 64
Massachusetts Buys ENERGY STAR
In 1997, the State of Massachusetts began including ENERGY STAR standards in its procurement
specifications for computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, and other office equipment. Energy Star
is a voluntary labeling partnership between the U.S. EPA and industry certifying and promoting
energy efficient products. The Energy Star label makes it easy to identify products that save money
and prevent pollution, and Energy Star products are available from almost all manufacturers at the
same cost as more energy-intensive models. Thus the State of Massachusetts’ procurement policy
protects the environment without compromising quality or price.
City of Chicago Housing Authority Buys ENERGY STAR
The ENERGY STAR® program enables public agencies to purchase large quantities of appliances to
help lower both manufacturers and buyers costs. Through a national initiative of the U.S. Department
of Energy and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, public housing agencies and utility companies
in 38 cities purchased over 70,000 Maytag brand refrigerators that use energy efficient technology.
By purchasing 10,000 of these refrigerators, the Chicago Housing Authority reduced annual electric
bills by more than $500,000.
Section 3 General Policy
Solution GP 2: Create strong incentives and accountability for Town employees to pursue energy
efficiency in day to day operations and commuting to and from work.
1. Expand education of employees and management on the climate/energy
challenge with a focus towards specific operational changes that can be made to
reduce global warming pollution. $ -2 + CO2
+1 = -1
a. Require employee education on fuel efficient driving and reducing
energy consumption at work.
b. Incentivize employees to use alternative modes of transportation by
implementing any of the following ideas:
Vehicle Trip Reduction Ideas
• Employee communication and education
• Encourage teleconferencing for meeting when applicable
• Provide showers and lockers for employees who walk, jog or cycle to work
• Provide municipal fleet bikes for employees to use for work-related trips
• Provide cash or EcoTransit passes instead of free parking as an employee benefit
• Provide an optional unlimited EcoTransit pass for all employees
• Establish ‘transit mentors’ as resources for new riders.
• Provide a shuttle service to EcoTransit stops if necessary
• Establish a car pools or ride-sharing network to facilitate and encourage use
• Provide preferential parking for car pools
• Provide a guaranteed ride home policy for employees who took alternative modes
of transportation
• Allow telecommuting options and variable working hours
• Consider a car sharing program for the region or municipality
c. Request that all Town departments establish their own GHG reduction
action plans, consistent with or exceeding community goals.
d. Create an interactive web page/blog where Town employees can share
progress and ideas, and solicit feedback for energy efficiency and other
CO2 reducing measures.
2. Establish and support a team of employees to advise Town decisions on ways to
reduce global warming pollution. Support should include dedicated time,
funding & training. This team could audit departments, policies and/or specific
actions to verify that they comply with Town intentions. $ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
3. Create a ‘Low Carbon Footprint’ guideline for all Town-funded events, including
picnics, parties and meetings, that encourages food providers to purchase product
within a 500 mile radius. An example can be found at
www.greenhotels.com/pdf/mtgplnr3.pdf . $ -2 + CO2
+1 = -1
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 20 of 64
Section 3 General Policy
Solution GP 3: Decrease the amount of solid waste generated from Town facilities & projects.
1. Require that all events that receive Town funding minimize waste.
$ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
a. Establish policy that would require all Town-funded events to be “Zero-
Waste”. Eco⋅cycle – the City of Boulder’s waste management office has
a ‘Zero Waste Event Kit’ that can serve as an excellent example.
b. Create a ‘Guide to Zero-Waste’ specific to each department.
2. Expand Town policies for greater paper/material reduction. $ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
a. Continue to expand the effort to incorporate paperless online forms that
allow electronic filing into all processes where feasible, such as online
forms & permits, electronic time cards, and other web-based information
(as opposed to printed material). For specific solutions, visit
www.sharewareplaza.com/Createonlineforms-com-
download_18440.html or Adobe has software available.
Progress to date: Many forms are available online already.
b. Use recycled products with at least 30% post consumer recycled-
content. Investigate establishing standards for the purchase of additional
recycled-content products. PaperWise, a Glenwood Springs-based
company that services the Eagle River Valley can assist with this
solution.
c. Require purchasing printers and copiers with duplexing and scanning
capability.
d. Make duplexing the default setting for all Town owned computers.
e. Implement a Town practice of posting and/or circulating memos, using
fax post it notes or reusable cover sheets, dedicating one tray in printers
to “recycled” paper (i.e. paper that has already been printed on one side).
3. Require Town contractors and vendors to document the use of recovered
material in their product (such as concrete, asphalt, & building materials) and
follow environmentally responsible solid waste management practices. (Please
refer to ‘Innovative Policy Resources’ for an excellent reference.)
$ -2 + CO2
+1 = -1
4. Require that all Town funded construction projects be deconstructed and/or use
10% recycled–content and or reclaimed products. $ -2 + CO2
+1 = -1
Solution GP 4: Advocate for regional, state and national solutions to meet the Energy Challenge.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 21 of 64
1. Collaborate with regional organizations, such as non-profits, other
governmental entities and/or private businesses to develop regional solutions.
Potential partners in the Eagle River Valley include Eagle Valley Alliance for
Sustainability (EVAS), the Town of Avon, Holy Cross Energy, Vail Resorts,
Alpine Bank, etc. $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
Section 3 General Policy
2. Create a simple request form for staff to request official Town statements and/or
resolutions to support or oppose applicable legislation. $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
3. Establish a local trust, either through the Town of Vail, EVAS, the Governor’s
Energy Office, or through another contracted entity to manage a local offset
program that would keep the majority of revenue local. This program would
allow residents, businesses, visitors and governmental bodies to purchase
offsets and provide funds to invest in local emission reduction projects, such as
renewable and energy efficiency projects and specified offset programs. The
reductions from these programs would be tracked and inventoried and would
work to reduce overall community-wide global warming pollution. The funds
currently dedicated to purchasing wind power from Holy Cross Energy could be
used to incubate such an effort. (Please refer to ‘Innovative Policy Resources’
for an excellent reference.) $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
Carbon Offsets
One of the largest and easiest up-front actions a community can take to mitigate its global warming pollution is to
purchase carbon offsets. However, there are a few important limitations to carbon offsets that must be addressed for a
carbon offset purchase program to be scientifically and economically sound. There is not a given ratio of money to
any specific weight of carbon offset; different renewable energies and efficiency measures produce or save varying
amounts of electricity and thus mitigate carbon emissions at varying levels. Adding to this uncertainty is the fact that
the carbon market in the United States is currently unregulated; there are no rules or baselines for the industry, leading
to an overall lack of transparency and consistency in accounting and implementation of carbon offset programs. While
the purchase of carbon offsets does consolidate small amounts of funding for large-scale carbon offset projects,
because the money typically leaves the community, a carbon offset program is ultimately an economic and financial
drain as it fails to increase the efficiency or economic development of the community investing in carbon offsets. To
address both of these issues, the Town of Vail or Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability (EVAS) could create a local
carbon offset program in which revenue from locally purchased carbon offsets would go towards funding local carbon
offset projects, and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This will allow the Town to accurately track
the volume of emissions offset per dollar invested and actually reduce the emissions for which the community is
responsible. A local carbon offset program could also provide additional funding for the longer term, more complex
residential and transportation action measures.
Innovative Policy Resources
Green Purchasing: A guide for local communities:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/bscit/sustainable-comm/epp.pdf
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program and Database,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Comprehensive source of information on
green purchasing. Database includes green contract language and specifications,
voluntary standards and guidelines, and other practical information.
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp
Town of Honolulu, Energy Star Purchasing Resolution
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 22 of 64
http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/cclpol/99-225.htm
Section 3 General Policy
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 23 of 64
Town of Berkeley, Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Resolution,
including energy and water conservation specifications:
www.besafenet.com/ppc/docs/purchasing/PU_BPP.pdf#search=%22energy
%20star%20purchasing%20ordinance%20%22
eco⋅cycle:
the City of Boulder’s waste management office. Several resources are available through
this website.
Eco-Cycle: Working to Build Zero Waste Communities
City of Seattle: The City has a Construction Waste Management Plan that is an
excellent reference.
City of Aspen: The City has one of, if not the first local offset program managed by a
municipality. You can learn more at www.canarytags.com .
Governor’s Energy Office: The GEO is developing the Colorado Carbon Fund that
will allow investments in local carbon offset projects. The GEO is working with
municipalities to tailor-fit such a program. You can learn more at
www.colorado.gov/energy or by contacting Susan Innis, the GEO’s Colorado Carbon
Fund Manager at susan.innis@state.co.us.
Section 4 Building Management
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that buildings are responsible
for almost half (48%) of all global warming pollution annually. Seventy-six percent of
all electricity generated by US power plants goes to supply the building sector.
Globally, 75 percent of all energy is consumed in cities. In addition, U.S. State and
local governments spend upwards of $40 billion a year on energy consuming products
and equipment. Because of increased use and escalating prices, annual energy
expenditures for municipalities are expected to continue to rise noticeably. All this adds
up to a huge opportunity to reduce energy use, costs and Global warming pollution in
municipal facilities.
Inventory Baseline Data
The following table provides monthly energy and water use for all the buildings in
which the Town of Vail owns. Also included in the building title line is its size, year
built and its benchmark score. The two columns on the right list the annual totals for
energy/water use, cost of energy/water and global warming pollution for each source.
Table 4.1: 2006 Annual energy/global warming pollution & cost of energy per
building, with Benchmark score.
Although any goal to reduce energy use should strive to reduce total energy use, it is
also helpful to evaluate energy intensity. This refers to how much energy it takes to
operate a given system – in this case – buildings. Another way to compare this is to
‘benchmark’ the buildings to comparable buildings. To do this, buildings were
benchmarked with the EPA’s ‘Target Finder’ which normalizes the data for building
size, use and climate. If a building’s score has a ‘+’ before it, it indicates the building
uses more energy than a comparable building. A ‘-’ indicates the building uses less
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 24 of 64
Section 4 Building Management
energy than a comparable building. In the case of the Town of Vail, all buildings use
more energy and are therefore less energy efficient. It should be noted that most
buildings because of configuration, shared utility accounts or other reasons could not be
formally benchmarked. These have N/A where the score would be.
The Town of Vail’s buildings’ benchmark scores are somewhat typical and more reflect
the buildings age than any other factor. What this means is that performing building
specific energy assessments would likely be very worthwhile, as there is likely plenty
of ‘low hanging fruit’ projects that will reduce energy use and save money.
It is likely that as services increase and/or buildings are added or expanded, so will
energy use. In order to continually gauge energy intensity, metrics or useful
comparisons must be identified.
Possible metrics include comparing units of energy use to:
• Total Town operating expenditures* (useful for comparing to other
municipalities)
64,769 MMBtu’s per $1,000 of expenditure = 1.48 MMBtus in 2006
Or stated another way, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it uses 1.48
MMBtus of energy to operate its buildings.
Another possible metrics include comparing dollars spent on energy to:
• Total Town operating expenditures* (useful for comparing to other
municipalities)
$794,091 per $1,000 of expenditure = $18.1 in 2006
Or stated another way, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it spends $18.1
on energy to operate its buildings.
*2006 total Town of Vail expenditures = $43,800,000
High Performance Building Strategy
In the Twenty-first Century, attentive architects, engineers and building operators
understand buildings much better than they did even 10 years ago. Building occupants
expect more as technology continues to progress. In general buildings are expected to
perform better in many different aspects. Municipalities are particularly challenged to
meet new expectations of performance as demand for services, staff sizes, and energy
costs continue to increase. To meet this challenge, the following strategies are
recommended:
Quality – Redefine quality in terms of building performance to include premium
indoor air quality, energy & resource efficiency, durability and deconstructability.
Design & Construction – Establish policy that requires any new building or
modification to existing buildings meet the highest standards of performance.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 25 of 64
Building Operation - Dedicate appropriate resources to maintain buildings so that
they operate at top efficiency and performance.
Section 4 Building Management
High Performance Building Solutions
Solution BM 1: Reduce GHG’s 20% below 2006 levels in all Town of Vail facilities by 2010.
1. Contract for an ‘investment-grade’ audit for all facilities that perform 20% or
more below national average, as identified in building benchmark data above.
(Please refer to the Building Resources section for information on contracting
for investment-grade audit.) $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
a. Invest in all energy solutions identified in the audit(s) with a simple pay
back of 10 years* or less. If an audit is not performed, the Municipal
Energy Tracker could be used to evaluate specific projects.
b. Explore requiring audits (aka Home Energy Rating) of all town-owned
or occupied* units, funded by the Town. Improve audited units to the
ENERGY STAR® level or better.
2. Assign a price to offset the energy use/global warming pollution to operate
snowmelt systems and invest in verifiable offsets annually. $ 0 + CO2
+2 = +2
3. Develop and adopt energy and resource-efficient building standards for all
existing Town facilities. $ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
a. Require all town-funded remodel projects to exceed the International
Energy Conservation Code by 15 % on retrofits.
b. Require ENERGY STAR® or better products, when available, for any
new equipment that uses electricity or natural gas.
b. Evaluate the energy/global warming pollution trade-off of a new
Municipal Building.
c. Strategically plant deciduous trees and shrubs to significantly reduce
cooling loads of buildings, so they provide shade in the summer months.
d. Establish minimum performance targets for all new buildings. (Please
refer to the ‘High Performance Building Policy’ in the Appendix for an
example of this.)
e. Appoint an ‘Energy Efficiency Champion’ for the entire organization or
from within each department to advocate for energy efficient building &
office operations.
Solution BM 2: Establish policy/procedures that ensure all facilities are maintained at the highest
possible performance levels at all times.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 26 of 64
1. Create a High Performance Operations & Preventative Maintenance Manual
that building operators are familiar implement fully. (Please contact SGM for
an example of such a document.) $ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
Section 4 Building Management
a. Implement an energy tracking system that can provide real-time
feedback and report monthly data. The Municipal Energy Tracker is
provided for this purpose and is recommended.
b. Continue to benchmark individual building energy use on an annual
basis. It is recommended that the EPA’s ‘Target Finder’ be used for
benchmarking buildings.
2. For buildings that are not audited, or that have not been audited/improved in the
last 5 years, perform the following assessments at least every 5 years.
$ -2 + CO2
+2 = 0
NOTE: Please refer to ‘Building Recommendations’ in the Appendix for a
more comprehensive list, specific to Town of Vail facilities.
Checklist for Identifying Energy Efficiency Solutions
• Perform a simple lighting audit and retrofit outdated technology with high
efficiency equipment when appropriate. Typical ‘low-hanging fruit’
includes replacing incandescent and T-12 fluorescents, exit lighting and
installing appropriate lighting controls. Refer to the Lighting section in the
‘Building Recommendations’ in the Appendix for more information.
• Have a qualified HVAC technician service and evaluate all HVAC
equipment semi-annually. Retrofit outdated technology with high efficiency
equipment when appropriate (e.g. chillers, boilers, fans, pumps, belts,
controls, etc). SGM can assist and/or develop a performance maintenance
schedule for any building if desired.
• Have a qualified technician/engineer evaluate all water pumps annually.
Retrofit outdated pumps & controls with high efficiency equipment when
appropriate. SGM can assist with this if desired.
• Install motion sensing controls or timers to fax machines, copiers, and
scanners. Install motion sensor power strips to individual office areas for
computers, task lights and space heaters. Refer to the Lighting section in the
‘Building Recommendations’ in the Appendix for more information.
• Request that vendors replace all existing vending machines with new,
energy efficient machines. Install ‘vending misers’ on all machines that
don’t have integral timers and/or motion sensors.
• Replace outdated computer monitors with Energy Star® monitors and verify
computers are set to energy-saver settings.
• Replace refrigerators, clothes washing machines and dishwashers that are
older than 15 years with Energy Star® certified or better.
• Verify twice a year that water heater temperatures are set at the lowest
acceptable levels.
• Replace outdated plumbing fixtures with low flow fixtures, such as
showerheads & toilets.
• Have specifications and purchasing instructions on hand for a high
efficiency water heater replacement, so that when the existing unit fails, it is
not replaced with an inefficient unit.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 27 of 64
Section 4 Building Management
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com
High Performance Building Resources
Governor’s Energy Office – GEO - Programs - Rebuild Colorado - GEO launched Rebuild
Colorado in 1997 to help Colorado building owners identify energy-saving
opportunities and help make those projects a reality. Rebuild Colorado uses the
following proven and innovative strategies to achieve success: Energy Performance
Contracting - a way to pay for projects even when capital is scarce, using future energy
cost savings; sustainable design in new buildings; commissioning in new and existing
buildings; energy management; and leveraging bond dollars with energy savings. Many
services are offered to municipalities at no charge.
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy – General Information.
http://www.aceee.org
DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model
energy codes.
http://www.energycodes.gov
Energy Star for Government Agencies - ENERGY STAR brings your government agency a
proven energy management strategy to save energy and money while demonstrating your
environmental leadership.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=government.bus_government
ACEEE Buildings Guide promotes the development and widespread adoption of energy
efficiency improvements in buildings, appliances, and other equipment used in buildings.
http://www.aceee.org/buildings/index.htm
Energy Savers takes you directly to resources available across Federal agencies for
homeowners, contractors and builders, building managers, realtors, state agencies, drivers and
fleet managers, and industry managers.
http://www.energysavers.gov
Page 28 of 64
Seattle’s Energy Conservation Measures
In 1998, the City of Seattle dedicated approximately $1 million to pay for cost effective energy and water
conservation measures in City buildings and facilities. An Energy Services Company (ESCO) was hired to
identify, analyze and install conservation measures. The program was managed by the City's Office of
Sustainability and Environment and created incentives for departments to participate by offering them the
opportunity to save money on their utility bills - which could then be applied to their programs. Energy efficient
lighting and HVAC projects were completed in police and fire stations, community centers, fleet maintenance
centers and office building, and red traffic signals and pedestrian walk signs were changed to LEDs. After three
years, an independent evaluation of the program concluded that the City's investment was sound: the present
value of net benefits to the City for all of the projects was $2.5 million. The internal rate of return to the City for
all of these the projects was 14 percent, and the pay-back period is under six years.
Section 5 Fleet Management
Transportation is the largest and fastest-growing source of CO2 in the United States
among all energy sectors. More than two thirds of all oil used in the U.S. goes to
transportation, and in western states transportation accounts for more than 85% of oil
use. Fuel costs continue to escalate rapidly while US fuel efficiency (aka CAFE)
standards have actually dropped over the last 20 years. If minimizing fuel costs,
reducing dependence on foreign oil or reducing global warming pollution is a priority,
than efficient fleet management has never been more important.
Table 5.1: 60 Month Average U.S. Retail Gasoline Price Chart
Inventory Baseline Data
Baseline fleet data serves as a starting point for developing a fuel-efficient fleet strategy
for the Town. Fortunately the Town of Vail Fleet Maintenance Department has been
tracking this information for some time and is keenly aware of fuel use trends.
Total fuel use for each department as well as monthly use is listed below in the tables.
Although any goal to reduce fuel use should strive to reduce total fuel use, it is also
helpful to evaluate fuel use intensity. It is likely that as services increase, so will fuel
use. In order to gauge fuel intensity, metrics must be identified. Possible metrics
include comparing gallons of fuel use to:
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 29 of 64
Section 5 Fleet Management
• Total Town operating expenditures* (useful for total departmental fuel
use)
229,120 gals per $1,000 of expenditure = 5.2 gals in 2006
In other words, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it uses 5.2 gallons of
transportation fuel.
• Total miles of roads serviced (useful for Transit and Public Works).
Examples include total gallons per mile of service or total gallons per
passenger mile.
Public Works:
46,044 gals per ____ miles of road = ___ gals in 2006
Or stated another way, for every mile of road serviced, the Town uses
___ gallons of fuel.
• Total square area/miles serviced (useful for Police & possibly
Recreation).
Police:
19,280 gals per ____ sq. miles of service area = ___gals in 2006
Or stated another way, for every square mile of area policed, the Town
uses ___ gallons of fuel.
Another possible metrics include comparing dollars spent on fuel to:
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 30 of 64
• Total Town operating expenditures* (useful for comparing to other
municipalities)
$530,701 per $1,000 of expenditure = $12.12 in 2006
Or stated another way, for every $1,000 the Town spends, it spends
$12.12 on transportation fuel.
*2006 total Town of Vail expenditures = $43,800,000
Section 5 Fleet Management
Table 5.2: 2006 Departmental fuel use, fuel costs and
resulting Global warming pollution.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 31 of 64
Section 5 Fleet Management
Table 5.3: 2006 Total fuel use by type.
This table identifies the fuel use trends for the Town of Vail. Gasoline use is relatively constant through out
the year with low use falling in the shoulder seasons. Diesel use is considerable higher in the winter months
due to two primary factors: snow plowing equipment is diesel-powered; and there is more gasoline-powered
transit buses used in the summer.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 32 of 64
Section 5 Fleet Management
Table 5.4: 2006 Total fuel use by department.
This table identifies the division of fuel use by departments. Clearly transit (‘Bus Dept’) is the biggest user
however it should be pointed out that the most cost-effective solutions may not be in transit vehicles. Each
action should be evaluated separately based on Town of Vail priorities and cost-effectiveness.
Fuel Efficient Fleet Strategy
Of all the micro-challenges embedded in the global Energy Challenge, transportation is
arguably the most difficult to solve. This is due to the fact that municipalities (and
individuals for that matter) have limited control of transportation choices. In the U.S.
truly fuel efficient vehicles options are very limited and cleaner fuels are scarcer yet. In
order to maximize fleet fuel efficiency given the limited options available, towns must
address the transportation energy challenge from a few different angles. What towns
can control are how and when employees travel; what vehicles they buy and how well
they’re maintained; and to a limited degree, what fuel is used. Therefore the strategies
are as follows:
Fleet purchase – Establish policy that ensures all vehicles purchased are as fuel
efficient as possible. This includes downsizing and/or eliminating vehicles where
applicable. (Please refer to the ‘General Policy’ section and the ‘Efficiency
Worksheet for Capital Improvement Projects’ in the Appendix for solutions.)
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 33 of 64
Section 5 Fleet Management
Fleet maintenance – Establish policy that ensures all vehicles are maintained to
current best practice standards that maximize fuel efficiency.
Fuel choice – Commit to continually researching and experimenting with viable
‘clean’ fuels that produce less global warming pollution per mile. Transition
vehicles to cleaner fuels when appropriate.
Travel – Establish policy that strongly encourages less energy-intensive
travel/services for Town business and commuting to and from work. Design all
Town-funded projects so that they reduce overall global warming pollution from
construction traffic and throughout the entire lifecycle of the building. (Please refer
to the ‘General Policy’ section for solutions.)
Fuel Efficient Fleet Solutions
Solution FM 1: Increase the fuel-efficiency / decrease emissions from fuel engines and machinery in on
and off-road vehicles.
1. Maintain the program to test the use of low or no-CO2 technologies in all Town
vehicles and equipment. $ -3 + CO2
+3 = 0
a. Dedicate funding for research and development of these technologies.
Currently the most promising short-term alternative is Hybrid and Plug-in
Hybrid technology. Mid-term, cellulosic ethanol appears to have the
greatest potential. Long-term is anyone’s guess. (Please refer to the
Appendix for the supporting information pertaining to this solution.)
b. Dedicate funding to transition fleets or portions of fleets to cleaner
technology when viable alternatives are identified. It is recommended that
‘flex-fuel’ vehicles be considered at time of purchase, providing fuel
efficiency is not sacrificed.
c. Establish/strengthen a network of regional fleet managers and meet at least
annually to compare existing and proposed maintenance procedures, fuel
use intensities, alternative fuel experiences, etc.
Progress to date: Biodiesel has been evaluated but determined to be
incompatible with the altitude and terrain in Vail at this time.
Fleet Managers currently meet on a somewhat regular basis
with surrounding fleet managers to discuss industry issues,
including fuel efficiency and alternative fuels.
2. Continue to perform preventative maintenance on all town vehicles to maintain
optimal operational efficiency including regular tire pressure checks, tune-ups,
and air filter changes. Establish a procedure for drivers to report problems with
v e h i c l e s . $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
a. Maintain EPA’s “Best Environmental Practices for Fleet Maintenance”, or
similar policy.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 34 of 64
Denver Green
Fleets
Denver’s 2007
Action Plan includes
substantial
reductions in city
vehicle miles
traveled, and
conversion of the
entire diesel fleet to
B20 biodiesel. In
addition, all general
passenger vehicles
and light duty trucks
due for replacement
will be replaced
with hybrid powered
vehicles or, where
those are not
available, the
highest fuel
mileage/lowest
carbon emissions
per mile vehicles
available.
Section 5 Fleet Management
4. Educate all employees on fuel-efficient driving practices, such as avoiding
unnecessary idling. $ -1 + CO2
+2 = +1
a. Establish a training program for all town drivers on fuel efficient driving
practices and offer incentives to reduce fuel consumption.
b. Make all information on fuel efficient driving practices readily available
to drivers.
c. Review fuel consumption data with each department at regular intervals.
Provide annual reports on fuel use & trends and develop department-
specific reduction strategies/solutions. This specific departmental plan
can be a collection of appropriate actions listed in this report.
Vehicle-Specific Strategies & Solutions
Since the Town of Vail maintains several different types of vehicles, specific strategies
for different vehicle types are listed below. After reviewing fuel consumption data, it
was relatively clear that the priority for action should in the following order:
• Buses
• Small vehicle fleet (light trucks, cars, etc.)
• Heavy equipment and trucks
Due to a wide range of available fuel types, there are many questions to consider before
settling on an alternative fuel in a community.
Q: What type of fuel infrastructure does the community currently support?
A: Currently conventional gasoline and diesel is offered in the Town of Vail.
Q: What are the obstacles involved in adopting a new fueling system?
A: Options for cleaner fuels are very limited in the U.S., and cleaner fuels that
work at Vail’s altitude & climate are even more limited. Staff has been
experimenting with alternative fuels, but none have proven to be workable. If
and when one is identified as viable, then it will likely require significant capital
investment to accommodate a new fuel for its fleet, assuming private fuel
outlets are not selling it at that time.
Q: What are the currently available alternative fuels within the area?
A: Currently only conventional gasoline and diesel is sold in the Town of Vail. It is
possible to get biodiesel in B5, B10, B20 & B100 blends in Colorado. E10 &
E85 (ethanol) is available at a few retail outlets (the closest ones being Basalt
and Evergreen) and is available through wholesale distributors.
Q: What costs will be involved in transferring to alternative fuels?
A: The Town of Vail would need to invest in an additional fueling station, as it is
likely that gasoline and diesel will still be part of the mix, at least initially.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 35 of 64
Section 5 Fleet Management
Once the above questions are reconciled the best options for a fuel efficient bus fleet
can be determined.
Due to continuous use and long hours, buses create the ideal starting point for any fuel
efficient fleet management plan. Typically, buses consume the most fuel and incur the
greatest fuel costs for a municipality. The benefit to a high use market for any vehicle
is that there are many different options for fuel efficient and clean burning models; this
includes the transit bus and school bus markets.
Solutions FM 2: Improve the fuel efficiency and/or decrease emissions of Buses and Trolleys.
1. Establish an anti-idling policy to reduce idle times for buses. Such a policy
could prohibit idling of buses with the following exceptions: $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
• Until the bus reaches adequate air pressure and 120°, plus an
additional 5 minutes of idle time;
• Until cabin temperatures reach 60°,
• While actively loading or unloading passengers.
a. Establish educational program to train drivers in anti-idling techniques.
2. Evaluate hybrid bus routes to optimize their performance. (e.g. highway driving
should be minimized) $ -1 + CO2
+1 = 0
3. Replace older buses with newer, cleaner models, especially those manufactured
before 1990 [2], preferably with hybrid buses. To evaluate the payback of more
fuel efficient vehicles, use the ‘Vehicle Solutions’ worksheet in the Municipal
Energy Tracker. $ -3 + CO2
+3 = 0
4. Consider the energy/global warming pollution benefit of parking buses in a
heated structure to eliminate idling time. $ -3 + CO2
+3 = 0
5. To reduce emissions other than CO2, implement a retrofit/rebuild policy for as
many of the current buses as is feasible, requiring the following changes:
a. Gasoline Engines: Install three way catalysts, similar to those used in
cars, to reduce CO, NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions.
b. Diesel Engines: Install oxidation catalysts to reduce PM emissions by
25%, and hydrocarbon (HC) and CO emissions by 50%-90%.[1]
c. Diesel Engines: Install Catalyzed particle filters to reduce PM emission
up to 90% and HC and CO emissions by 50%-90%. [1]
d. Rebuild or replace older engines with more efficient technologies.
Solutions FM 3: Improve the fuel efficiency and/or decrease emissions of Cars & Light Trucks.
1. Asses the total fleet needs and determine areas that the number of city
vehicles/vehicle use can be minimized. $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
2. Replace older cars & light trucks with newer, cleaner models, especially those
manufactured before 1990 [2], preferably with hybrid vehicles. To evaluate the
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 36 of 64
Available Energy
Supply Types for Buses:
1. Electric
2. Hybrid Electric
3. Gasoline
4. Diesel
5. Propane
6. Natural Gas
7. Hydrogen
8. Compressed
Natural Gas
(CNG)
9. Liquefied
Natural Gas
(LNG)
10. Liquefied
Petroleum Gas
(LPG or
Propane)
11. Hydrogen
Section 5 Fleet Management
payback of more fuel efficient vehicles, use the ‘Vehicle Solutions’ worksheet in
the Municipal Energy Tracker. $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
a. Purchase hybrid cars that could eventually be converted to plug-in
hybrids; conversions will likely be available for Toyota, Ford and
Lexus hybrids.
NOTE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides an up to date list of
the fuel efficiency for small fleet vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) at:
http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/
Available Energy
Supply Types for
Light Trucks &
Cars:
1. Electric
2. Hybrid
Electric
3. Diesel
4. Gasoline
5. E_85 (corn
based)
6. Diesel
7. Biodiesel
8. CNG
3. Once your electricity source is at least 25% renewable, purchase small electric
vehicles or hybrid vehicles for applicable traffic and parking enforcement,
staff errands, inspections, etc. $ -2 + CO2
+2 = 0
NOTE: The majority of pure electric vehicles offered are designed for low-speed,
neighborhood use or are electric bicycles. A current list of these vehicles can be
viewed at:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/afdc_vehicle_search.php?Low*Speed*Vehicles/
Fuel-Technology/2007/
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 37 of 64
Automobiles: Electric vs. Gasoline
Seikei University (Tokyo), 2001
“It is well-known that electric vehicles produce almost no pollution on the road, but how much environmental impact
can be attributed to their full life-cycle, including manufacture? And when all of these emissions are taken into
account, are electrics really all that much better than gasoline automobiles? And what about hybrid gasoline-
electrics? Kiyotaka Tahara and several of his colleagues at Seikei University in Tokyo recently published a study
attempting to answer these questions.”
Below is a table from that report that summarizes the findings.
Figure 1 - Total carbon dioxide emissions over the lifetimes of gasoline, hybrid, and electric
cars. The electric car is shown three times, with differing source energies depending on the
method of generating electricity: coal, liquefied natural gas, or hydroelectric.
This summary
was provided
by the Institute
for Lifecycle
Environmental
Assessment.
Section 5 Fleet Management
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com
Solutions FM 4: Improve the fuel efficiency and/or decrease emissions of Trucks & Heavy Equip.
(Construction, Fire and Maintenance Vehicles)
1. Evaluate polices and techniques related to snow plowing and hauling.
Implement less energy-intensive solutions where appropriate. $ 0 + CO2
+1 = +1
2. To reduce emissions other than CO2, implement a retrofit/rebuild policy for as
many of the current trucks and equipment as is feasible, requiring the following
changes:
a. Gasoline Powered: Install three way catalysts, similar to those used in
cars, to reduce CO, NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions.
b. Diesel: Install oxidation catalysts to reduce PM emissions by ~25%,
HC emission by ~40% and CO emissions by ~30%. [1]
c. Diesel: Install particulate filters to reduce PM by ~90%, and HC and
CO by ~65%.
d. Rebuild or replace older engines with newer, more efficient
technologies.
3. Develop a program to share more expensive, high efficiency equipment with
neighboring communities. If an alternative fuel source is considered, the costs
of developing the infrastructure could also be shared. $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
Fuel Efficient Fleet Resources
Hybrid & Electric Manufacturers List:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/progs/afdc/hsearch_hybrid.cgi
Alternative Fuels Manufacturers List:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/afdc_vehicle_search.php
Austin’s Plug-in Partners Campaign:
http://www.austinenergy.com/favicon.ico
Page 38 of 64
Available Energy
Supply Types for
Trucks & Heavy
Equip.:
1. Diesel
2. Biodiesel
3. CNG
4. LNG
5. Electric
Section 6 Public Works
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 39 of 64
For the purpose of this EAP, the Public Works section includes baseline Inventory
information and Solutions for Parks and Streets & Roads, as well as solutions typically
geared toward municipal utilities. The Town of Vail is not its own utility for any
service, however opportunities exist to create a utility or to modify agreements with
existing utilities.
Inventory Baseline Data
Table 6.1: 2006 Public Works Global warming pollution & cost of energy. NOTE:
An expanded list of accounts can be found in the Municipal Energy Tracker.
Integrated Strategy
Street lights, irrigation systems and miscellaneous accounts can add up in terms of
energy/water use and global warming pollution. Addressing these uses isn’t quite as
straight forward as addressing buildings and vehicles. While increasing the energy
efficiency of these components is definitely feasible, another option is to use cleaner
sources of energy. Strategies include:
Increase energy efficiency – Evaluate all energy systems, such as irrigation
systems and street lighting, to minimize the energy-intensity of each system so that
acceptable levels of service are maintained using less energy.
Reduce the carbon-intensity of energy – Work towards reducing the use of fossil
fuel energy by requesting cleaner energy from utility providers and/or generate your
own source of clean energy.
Integrated Solutions
Solution PW 1: Generate and/or purchase 15% of Town of Vail’s electricity from renewable resources
by 2012.
1. Commit to generating 5% of Town of Vail’s electricity from renewable energy
resources by 2012. $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
Section 6 Public Works
a. Evaluate the cost/benefits of the Vail Transportation Center photovoltaic
installation and identify additional photovoltaic installation possibilities
on all Town facilities. Install additional systems where feasible. Many
Town of Vail facilities have excellent orientation and are good
candidates for solar systems. The Public Works building is the ideal
location as it could accommodate a very large system that could be grid-
tied – thus it would sell power back to Holy Cross Energy. The
Municipal Energy Tracker could be used to evaluate cost effectiveness
of new systems. Current funding dedicated to purchase Holy Cross wind
power could be used, as could revenue from a local carbon offset
program.
Progress to date: A 4kW photovoltaic system was installed on the Vail Transportation
Center this summer. This will avoid nearly 5 tons of global warming
pollution per year.
b. Explore cost effective opportunities to partner/invest directly in new
larger-scale renewable projects like wind, photovoltaic, hydro-electric,
and landfill gas systems. Partnerships could include methane recapture
with Eagle County Landfill and investing in wind, solar and/or hydro
projects with Holy Cross Energy, Vail Resorts, or other municipalities.
2. Commit to purchasing the balance of targeted renewable electricity through
renewable energy credits through Holy Cross or another reliable, verifiable
s o u r c e . $ -1 + CO2
+3 = +2
NOTE: Click here to learn about how the City of Boulder partnered with Xcel
Energy to generate funding for its EAP.
a. Explore enacting or utilizing HCE’s ‘Community Enhancement Fund’
detailed in Article 11 of the current franchise agreement to finance
energy efficiency projects and/or renewable energy.
Solution PW 2: Reduce natural gas use in Town of Vail’s facilities by 5% by 2012 by installing
renewable energy systems.
1. Identify solar thermal system possibilities on all Town facilities, evaluate cost-
effectiveness, and install systems where feasible. Many Town of Vail facilities
have excellent orientation and are good candidates for solar systems. The best
application would likely be on the Fire Stations, the Library, or the VTC, as
they likely have the highest hot water use. The Municipal Energy Tracker could
be used to evaluate cost effectiveness. $ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 40 of 64
2. Explore establishing a ‘renewable energy’ utility where energy would be
produced by renewable resources and could be provided for Town-owned
facilities and private facilities. There are examples of this below.
$ -3 + CO2
+3 = 0
Section 6 Public Works
City Owned Solar Water Heating Program
Lakeland's electric utility owns and operates 55 "metered" solar residential water heaters. The City installs these
individual solar heaters directly onto the roofs of residential customers. Utility grade metering equipment quantifies
this solar energy (heat) and it is sold to customers as a separate product. The solar energy charge is a separate line
item on customers’ monthly bills.
Benefits of using solar water heaters include reduced electricity use during peak times, an enhanced image with
conservationists, access to a new revenue source, reduced emissions, improved health, and satisfied customers.
Customers benefit from the lack of risks associated with owning solar heaters, not having to pay maintenance costs
for heaters, gaining a real estate asset, having hot water during outages, and by being exempt from solar heat rate
increases. The purchase and installation cost for solar water heaters was $2,200. Grants supplemented the cost of the
first 50 systems and the city will fund additional solar heaters or expansions of this program.
Solar Photovoltaic Generators
Lakeland is the host location for 23 photovoltaic (PV) systems; 17 are utility-owned and six are privately owned.
These systems produce 53 kilowatts and are grid-linked. Customers with PV systems receive credit for surplus
energy entering the grid at the full retail electric rate.
The community benefits from PV systems in several ways. The 17 systems installed on public schools and provide
educational materials to those schools. All of the systems called "distributed generators" are in neighborhoods
where the energy is most needed. These systems have cash value through Renewable Energy Credits (REC's). They
increase the utility’s use of alternative fuels and enhance their public image. Use of PV systems also reduces
emissions to the environment subsequently enhancing the health of Lakeland citizens. The total cost for all the PV
systems was nearly $500,000. DOE and the State of Florida funded about 80 percent of this cost and the remainder
was cost-shared with the City of Lakeland’s salaries. CO2 reduction target: 10,800 tons/year.
Solution PW 3: Minimize energy use from all street lights.
1. Convert street lights to the most energy efficient technology where appropriate.
$ -2 + CO2
+3 = +1
a. Identify street light retrofit possibilities on all Town lights, evaluate
cost-effectiveness every 5 years and install new lights where feasible.
b. Evaluate current on-time and decrease where feasible.
Solution PW 4: Minimize energy & water use from all irrigation systems.
1. Evaluate all irrigation systems to identify potential efficiency gains through
reconfiguration and/or pump replacement. $ -2 + CO2
+2 = 0
2. Minimize irrigation needs of new & existing landscaping. $ -0 + CO2
+1 = +1
a. Establish a policy to only incorporate native landscaping that only
requires irrigation initially.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 41 of 64
b. Replace non-essential irrigated area with dry (but permeable)
groundcover such as cobble, bark, etc.
Section 6 Public Works
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 42 of 64
c. Evaluate ‘run times’ of irrigation systems and reduce watering times and
areas as appropriate. Reconfigure sprinkler heads to avoid watering non-
landscaped areas.
Resources
Native landscaping ideas: Home: High Country Gardens
Western Resource Advocates (Energy Program) - The Energy Program works in a
variety of forums to promote sustainable energy technologies – such as solar and wind
power. When exploring larger scale renewable energy strategies including purchasing
carbon offsets, WRA is an excellent resource.
NYSERDA’s How-to Guide for Effective Energy Efficient Street Lighting for Planners
and Engineers – An excellent guide that integrates technical, performance and design
guidance for effective energy efficient lighting systems.
Section 7 Future Considerations
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 43 of 64
The inventory data in Section 2 and the solutions in Section 3-6 give a decent
perspective of the primary energy the Town of Vail uses and how it can reduce its
consumption. However indirectly the Town also uses energy in the products it
purchases and the services it uses. This energy use is very difficult to quantify, however
at some point in the future, it may nonetheless wish to consider this energy use, either
by analyzing the carbon intensity of its goods and services, or simply attempting to
minimize goods and services where feasible.
The following information was adapted from the City of Aspen’s Canary Action Plan.
Food and Other Goods & services
The large scale food and beverage industry uses huge amounts of energy for growing,
cooking, cooling, freezing, cold storage and transport. The average North American,
purchasing conventional groceries, contributes on average 4.3 tons of greenhouse gases
per year in food alone. The purchase of local or organic foods contributes 90% less
GHGs on average. In terms of energy 9.14 % of total energy consumption in the U.S. is
due to the production, processing and transportation of food. The transportation of food
within the US accounts for over 20% of all commodity transport and results in at least
120 million tons of CO2-e emissions every year. A good way to address the issues
surrounding food is to look at how a community can get the services it wants while
minimizing the energy used to procure them. The concept of a service based economy
has been pioneered by Aspen’s neighbor Amory Lovins, who points out that, “ people
don’t actually want kilowatt-hours of electricity or barrels of oil, but rather the ‘end-use
services’ they provide—lighting, heating, refrigeration, mobility, or cold beers and hot
showers.” With food, in order to supply the desired product and avoid the energy
consumption and waste usually incurred in the process, we need to reduce and simplify
the long and complex energy chain it takes to get food from the farm to the shelf. At
each stage in the chain there is loss and waste, both of which add to cost and create
pollution. Shorter chains are therefore inherently more economically efficient and
environmentally sound as they reduce packaging and transport-related energy
consumption. Thus, a particularly powerful action which can be taken at the local and
individual levels is to purchase locally produced food. There are also local economic
and environmental benefits produced from localizing food consumption. From an
economic perspective one dollar spent in your community will circulate as much as
seven times before leaving, whereas one dollar spent on an imported product leaves the
community immediately. Environmentally, buying locally protects open agricultural
lands and other local natural resources.
Adaptation
Colorado, particularly communities at higher elevations, has been feeling the effects of
climate change for at least a quarter century. The Aspen Climate Impact Assessment
has also identified that Aspen (and likely communities with similar climates, such as
Vail) experience more change – and perhaps much greater change - in the decades to
come. Unfortunately society has committed to some additional change because of the
nature of global warming pollution. Some GHGs remain in the atmosphere for up to a
Section 7 Future Considerations
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 44 of 64
century, so the fossil fuels burned a half century ago will still be impacting climate
change for some time.
It is for this reason that in addition to aggressively reducing our Global warming
pollution, adaptation is also necessary to cope with a rapidly changing environment. To
do so in a sustainable fashion requires thought, collaboration and creativity. It is
suggested that some organization in or affiliated with the Town of Vail undertake such
an endeavor by creating an Adaptation Plan. This page is a placeholder for that plan.
Appendix ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
Once a local government has made a commitment to address climate change, they can
implement a range of actions to reduce global warming pollution. These measures can
be instituted ad-hoc or as part of a comprehensive framework like that offered by
ICLEI’s (Local Governments for Sustainability) Cities for Climate Protection
Campaign. Milestones can be implemented independently or comprehensively –
though greater reductions and co-benefits are realized when all of the actions are
pursued in coordination. Engaging in the CCP’s five-step process means that a town is
making a commitment to reduce global warming emissions as financial and staff
resources allow.
ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Program
The Cities for Climate Protection TM (CCP) Campaign assists cities to adopt policies
and implement quantifiable measures to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions,
improve air quality, and enhance urban livability and sustainability. More than 800
local governments participate in the CCP, integrating climate change mitigation into
their decision-making processes.
The campaign is based on an innovative performance framework structured around five
milestones that local governments commit to undertake. The milestones allow local
governments to understand how municipal decisions affect energy use and how these
decisions can be used to mitigate global climate change while improving community
quality of life. The CCP methodology is compliant with international standards and
provides a simple, standardized way of acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
of monitoring, measuring, and reporting performance.
1. Conduct a baseline inventory
An inventory identifies and quantifies the global warming pollution produced by
government operations and/or the community at large in a particular year. The
inventory and forecast provide a benchmark against which the town can measure
the progress in terms of its own operations and/or that of its citizens. This emissions
analysis identifies the activities that contribute to global warming pollution and the
quantity of pollution generated by each of these activities. An inventory is
established by collecting data about energy management, recycling and waste
reduction, transportation, and land use. A local government can calculate global
warming pollution for a base year (e.g. 1990) and for a forecast year (e.g. 2012).
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 45 of 64
This report provides an inventory for Town of Vail facilities and fleets for 2006
only. It includes energy use, water use and the resulting global warming pollution.
It has been discussed that a phase II could include an inventory for the entire
community of Vail.
2. Establish a target to lower emissions
Setting a reduction target for global warming pollutants creates a tangible goal and
metric to guide the planning and implementation of your community’s action. The
target in the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement is to reduce emissions by
a minimum of 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Almost all of the local
governments participating in ICLEI’s CCP establish reduction targets of global
Appendix ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
warming pollution at 15 percent or higher to be met within a 10 year period.
However, it is important that any target be based on the communities’ specific
priorities, be verifiable and be doable. How the target is stated is also important
Some ideas include:
• Could be stated in terms of energy or global warming pollution
• Could be fuel - specific
• Could be a hard value (tons of CO2), a percentage, or dollar amount
spent on reductions
• Could be a tiered goal (20% by 2020; 80% by 2050) – the first goal
could be what’s reasonably achievable, the second goal could be where
scientists say the world need to be in order to avoid irreversible change
• Must be clear and must have a date
Note: Please refer to Section 2 for a proposed reduction goal for the Town of Vail.
3. Develop a local Energy Action Plan
A local Energy Action Plan (EAP) is a customized roadmap to reduce global
warming pollution by the target that your Town has identified. The road map can be
specific to Town-owned operations (like this plan is), or it can be community-wide.
The EAP includes an implementation timeline for reduction measures, costs and
financing mechanisms, assignments to town departments, and actions the town must
implement to achieve its target. The inventory and quantification of existing climate
protection measures helps guide a town to understand where they can get the largest
emissions reductions. The majority of measures in EAPs fall into the following
categories:
• Energy management (buildings & systems)
• Transportation
• Waste reduction
Common measures include energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings
and systems to installation of renewable power applications.
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 46 of 64
• For a sample resolution outlining a city’s commitment, view the City of Seattle’s
Resolution
• View a sample resolution from a city participating in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign
• The sample above can be modified to include language specific to your community. See
how the Town of Carbondale,COhas personalized its resolution.
Appendix ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com
4. Implement the local EAP
Successful implementation of actions identified in the local EAP depends on a
number of factors including management and staffing, financing, a realistic timeline
and stakeholder involvement in appropriate aspects of the Plan to build staff and
community support.
For the Town of Vail, implementation will revolve around allocating staff resources
to integrate recommended policies into existing manuals and dedicating the
financial resources to act on the action items in this report. Please refer to Solution
GP 1/3 for a list of potential funding mechanisms.
5. Measure, verify and report performance
Verification of progress ensures integrity and accuracy in the town’s efforts to
achieve its global warming pollution reduction target. The reductions that a town
achieves through implementation of actions to reduce global warming pollution
must be monitored to measure progress. Tracking progress builds political support,
informs the process and often drives further town investment to advance climate
protection.
Implementation will also require identifying who will continue to track energy and
global warming pollution in the future. Please refer to Solution GP 1/1 for this
particular action item.
Page 47 of 64
The experience of cities and towns participating in the CCP offers a
proven reference point to local governments newly engaging in
climate protection actions.
Sample Action Plans
• City of Seattle Green Ribbon Commission Report
• City of Burlington, VT Climate Action Plan
• City of Boulder, CO Climate Action Plan
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 48 of 64
Diesel & Gasoline
Diesel and gasoline fuel sources are listed together because they represent the current
standard in fuel use. Information is readily available on these fuel sources; therefore
discussion on these topics will be limited.
Pros
• Fuel infrastructure is readily available and prominent across the nation.
• Works in a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Works well at altitude and in cold climates.
• Most prolific fuel source for current vehicles.
• Some advances in emissions quality have been made, specifically in diesel
technologies, through better processing techniques. Reductions in the number
of pollutants such as sulfides (linked to acid rain) in diesel are one example.
Cons
• The United States accounts for 25% of the entire world’s oil consumption,
developing a large dependence on foreign oil. Continued dependence decreases
our national security.
• Fuel reserves are finite. At the current use of petroleum derived fuels,
production is projected to peak within the next decade, likely to significantly
increase fuel prices. Continued dependence on these fuel sources is likely to
have adverse economic impacts on communities in the near future.
• Carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline and diesel are significant percentage of
municipal Global warming pollution.
• Oil is a finite resource. Some analysts believe the volatility in oil prices will
only get worse in the coming decades and therefore price projections are
dubious.
• As resources get depleted in North America and other more secure areas,
imports will likely come from less reliable sources such as the Middle East,
having a negative effect on national security.
Biodiesel & Ethanol
Biodiesel and corn based ethanol are listed together because they are very similar in
terms of production and application. Both biodiesel and ethanol are fuel sources
produced from renewable plant and/or animal sources that are intended to offset or
replace diesel and gasoline use, respectively. Currently, these sources are derived
primarily from parts of plants or animals that are considered edible (see Cons).
However, research is currently being conducted to generate fuels from plant stocks and
other biological components that can meet today’s fuel standards. Typically biodiesel
and ethanol are mixed with diesel or gasoline to create a blend. These blends are
referred to by the percentage of the biofuel source by volume that is in the mixture; for
biodiesel common mixtures are B5, B20 and B100, representing 5%, 20% and 100%
biodiesel, respectively. For ethanol the typical concentration is 85% ethanol and 15%
gasoline referred to as E85.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/eth_energy_bal.html
Note: all pros and cons apply to both fuel types unless other wise specified
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 49 of 64
Pros
• Typically biofuels can be stored in standard diesel or gasoline storage tanks,
making it one of the easier alternative fuels for which to develop infrastructure.
• Biodiesel can be used in the majority of current diesel engines with minor
modifications (sometimes modifications are not necessary) making it easy to
make the transition from petroleum only fuels to biodiesel fuels. Many existing
engines will also allow lower concentration blends of biodiesel.
• Biofuels are slightly cleaner burning than standard petroleum based fuels;
reducing emissions from hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides. Exhaust from
biofuels has also been proven to have a lesser impact on human health
compared to conventional diesel.
• Biofuels are a renewable form of energy produced and are therefore more
sustainable.
• Biodiesel provides about the same fuel efficiency as standard diesel.
• Because biofuels are produced from plants they are considered to be in a closed
loop CO2 cycle due to the fact that carbon emissions from vehicles are offset by
carbon absorption in plants grown to provide fuel. For example, biodiesel use
can reduce approximately 78% of the net CO2 emissions compared to
conventional petroleum diesel when all energy source for production and use
are considered. http://www.biodiesel.org/
• Biofuels can be mixed with petroleum based fuels to help achieve closer
characteristics to conventional diesel (see Cons).
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Source:<http://www.greentechnol
og.com/2007/03/>
Cons
• Ethanol mixes tend to run at lower fuel efficiencies than gasoline, this
inherently increases the price of overall use.
• Currently there is a limited market for vehicles that will accept E85; typically
only larger, more fuel inefficient are considered flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) or
vehicles that accept biofuels.
• A current issue with biodiesel is that it coagulates in cold climates; this makes
higher concentrations of biodiesel practically unusable in areas that reach very
low temperatures. However, biodiesel may still be used in times when
temperatures permit.
• Biofuels may be difficult to find near a community because there are currently
few fueling stations, however fuel station conversions are relatively simple.
• The close relationship of agriculture and biofuels could pose a problem between
agricultural uses for food and for fuel. As biofuel technology advances, the
dependence on feed stock for production could be shifted towards use of plant
byproducts that are not edible.
• Source: http://www.biodiesel.org/ ,
http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/biodiesel.html
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 50 of 64
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 51 of 64
Hybrid
Hybrid technologies utilize electrical storage and generation techniques to power a
secondary motor on a vehicle. This technology can be incorporated in all of the major
engine types including gasoline, diesel, propane and compressed natural gas.
Pros
• Increases the fuel economy of a vehicle, especially under city driving
conditions; decrease in fuel costs.
• Decrease the number of harmful emissions compared to typical combustion
engines.
• Many companies offer recycling programs for spent batteries.
• Hybrids are quieter in operation because the combustion engine isn’t run as
hard/often.
• Electric engines do not idle and therefore don’t use energy when stopped.
• Electric engines provide smoother acceleration due to the torque characteristics
of the electric engine.
• High initial costs can largely be offset by credits and grants. For example:
hybrid buses cost approximately $200,000 more than a typical diesel bus,
however, the federal Clean Fuels Grant Program currently will cover 90% of
this cost difference.
• Can be integrated with all major vehicle propulsion methods.
Cons
• Rely on battery technologies which must be replaced periodically over the life
of the vehicle (Note: advances in battery technologies aim to create batteries
that will be capable of operating during the entire life of the vehicle,
approximately 15 years under typical operating conditions).
• Currently hybrid vehicles are only widely available in gasoline or diesel hybrid
electric forms.
• More complex design compared to standard vehicles means more opportunity
for mechanical failures; however it is believed that overall maintenance may be
lower because there is less were-and-tear on engine components.
• Capital costs are relatively high.
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are outfitted with a battery pack sufficient to power
the vehicle from 20 to 60 miles on battery charge alone. Considering that half the cars
on America’s roads are driven 25 miles a day or less, a plug- in with a 25-mile range
battery could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of millions of Americans.
The cost of an equivalent electric gallon of gas is estimated to be less than $1.00.
Basically, PHEVs use the same technology as the popular hybrids on the road today,
but have a larger battery that can be recharged by plugging into a standard home outlet.
Pros
• Gets about twice the fuel economy of a conventional vehicle and 30-50% better
fuel economy than a standard hybrid.
• Plugs into a standard electrical outlet to receive charge.
• Depending on design and battery size, it can be driven 20 to 60 miles without
the use of gasoline.
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 52 of 64
• PHEV technology can also be combined with existing flexible fuel technology
to increase fuel efficiency even further as well as further reduce greenhouse
gases and imported oil.
• Feature larger batteries which can be charged while the car is not in use,
providing up to 100+MPG.
Cons
• Not currently available for purchase, but many hybrid vehicle types will have
conversion kits available.
Electric
Vehicles powered by an electrical storage device, typically an energy storage device
such as a battery. EV batteries have a limited storage capacity and their electricity must
be replenished by plugging the vehicle into an electrical source. The electricity for
recharging the batteries can come from the existing power grid, or from distributed
renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.
Pros
• Have less moving parts (simple in design) than a conventional engine and
therefore will require less maintenance.
• Produce zero tailpipe emissions.
• If developed from renewable resources, could have zero net emissions.
Cons
• Because most electricity is generated from coal-fired power plants, the net CO2
emissions may not be reduced.
• Battery charging is slow, making “refueling” a timely process that can conflict
with schedules/usage.
• Current battery technologies are limited to about 5-6 years.
• In typical vehicles, a single charge is enough to travel about 100 miles.
• Due to the restrictions of battery power, the majority of commercially available
vehicles are small in size. Most manufacturers are shifting towards fuel cell and
hybrid technologies.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) & Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Natural gas consists mostly of methane and is drawn from gas wells or in conjunction
with crude oil production. Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles store natural gas in
high-pressure fuel cylinders at 3,000 to 3,600 pounds per square inch. Since natural gas
is colorless, odorless and tasteless, an odorant is normally added to CNG for safety
reasons. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles store natural gas as a cryogenic liquid.
Pros
• CNG vehicles produce less pollutants that comparable gasoline or diesel
vehicles, including NOx and particulate matter and is therefore considered a
cleaner fuel.
• Currently, natural gas is primarily a domestic/North American fuel, 85 percent
of which is produced in the U.S.
• Natural gas is 1/3 to 1/2 less than gasoline and diesel fuel.
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 53 of 64
• There are over 50 natural gas vehicle models available for light, medium, and
heavy-duty applications.
• CNG vehicles can be (and are being) produced as dedicated and bi-fuel
versions. Dedicated vehicles are most appropriate where vehicles tend to
operate in an area where natural gas fueling is available. Bi-fuel vehicles have
both natural gas and gasoline storage tanks on board, and can operate on either
fuel at the flip of a switch.
Cons
• There are only 1,600 natural gas fueling stations in the U.S. (compared to
190,000 gasoline stations). In addition, each station costs significantly more
than for a comparable gasoline/diesel dispenser and storage tank system.
• Primarily because of (1) low production volumes and (2) the greater cost of fuel
storage tanks, NGVs cost more than comparable gasoline or diesel models.
• Compared to a volumetric gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel, there is less energy
in an energy gallon equivalent of natural gas (both CNG and LNG). Therefore,
the driving range of vehicles operating on natural gas is less.
• On-board natural gas fuel tanks are larger than comparable gasoline or diesel
fuel tanks. Therefore, in some vehicles, some cargo or truck space is lost.
• Natural gas is a finite resource. Some analysts believe the volatility in natural
gas prices will only get worse in the coming decades and therefore price
projections are dubious.
• As resources get depleted in North America, imports will likely come from less
reliable sources such as Russia & Iran, having a negative effect on national
security.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG or Propane)
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consists mainly of propane, propylene, butane, and
butylene in various mixtures. However, in the US, the mixture is mainly propane. It is
produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. The
components of LPG are gases at normal temperatures and pressures. However, they
become liquid under moderate pressure. Therefore, LPG is stored on vehicles as a
liquid in pressurized tanks.
Pros
• Propane vehicles produce less of virtually all tailpipe pollutants than
comparable gasoline or diesel vehicles.
• Most propane used in the U.S. today is domestically produced.
• Propane costs less per gallon than gasoline and diesel fuel.
• A national infrastructure of pipelines, processing facilities, and storage already
exists for the efficient distribution of propane.
Cons
• Propane costs vary considerable throughout the year – usually peaking in the
winter when demand for residential heating is greatest. Unless a user enters into
an annual contract with a propane provider, this severely complicates fuel cost
budgeting.
Appendix Information on Technologies & Fuel Types
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 54 of 64
• Primarily because of the cost of on-board storage tanks, the cost of propane
vehicles is greater than for comparable gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• Because there is less energy in a gallon of propane than in a gallon of gasoline
or diesel, the driving range of vehicles operating on propane is less.
• Compared to gasoline and diesel fuel, the number of propane fueling stations is
limited.
• Only a couple of propane vehicles are still being manufactured by OEMs. Most
propane vehicles produced today are aftermarket conversions.
• Propane production in the U.S. is limited. If the demand for propane were to
increase significantly, the additional propane would have to be imported.
• Oil and natural gas are finite resources. Some analysts believe the volatility in
prices will only get worse in the coming decades and therefore price projections
are dubious.
• As resources get depleted in North America, oil & gas imports will likely come
from less reliable sources, having a negative effect on national security.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel cell technologies use hydrogen gas to produce an electric current and
run a motor. In this way, they perform in a similar way as an electric vehicle, but may
be fueled like a standard vehicle. The only emissions created in this process are water
and heat. The fuel storage ability and zero emissions of hydrogen technology have
caused many vehicle manufacturers to pursue production of these vehicles; however, it
may be some time before they become commercially available.
Pros
• Considered a zero emission technology.
• Is a renewable fuel source.
• Likely to be a prominent fuel source in years to come.
Cons
• Fueling stations are in the beginning phases of development and are very scarce.
• Vehicles are currently too expensive for most applications.
• Technological advances such as hydrogen production techniques, on vehicle
storage, and durability are currently stalling the commercial availability
restricting most vehicles to demonstration vehicles.
Appendix Manufacturers/Distributors of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 55 of 64
Buses:
Vehicle Manufacturers – Available fuel types by manufacturer:
Large Transit Buses (seating ≥ 30) including school buses:
1. Blue Bird Corp. – CNG
2. http://www.blue-bird.com/
3. DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America (Orion Bus Industries) –
Diesel hybrid electric; CNG;
4. www.dcbusna.com and http://www.orionbus.com
5. ElDorado National – LNG; CNG; LPG
6. http://www.enconline.com/
7. NABI-North American Bus Industries – CNG; LNG
8. http://www.nabiusa.com/
9. New Flyer of America – Gasoline, diesel and hydrogen hybrid electrics; CNG;
LNG
10. http://www.newflyer.com
11. ISE Corporation – Gasoline, diesel and hydrogen hybrid electrics; pure electric;
hydrogen
12. http://www.isecorp.com/
13. TransTeq (up to 118 passenger) – Diesel hybrid electric
14. http://www.transteq.com
15. Trolley Enterprises (Trolleys) – Diesel hybrid electric; CNG; LPG
16. http://www.trolleyenterprises.com
17. VanHool – Electric (theater system); CNG
18. www.vanhool.be
19. Small Transit Buses (seating < 30)
20. Azure Dynamics – Gasoline or diesel hybrid electric
21. http://www.azuredynamics.com/
22. Champion Bus Inc. - Gasoline or diesel hybrid electric
23. http://www.championbus.com/
24. Ebus – Pure electric; diesel, propane or natural gas hybrid electric
25. http://www.ebus.com/
26. ElDorado National – LNG; CNG; LPG
27. http://www.enconline.com/
28. Electric Vehicles International – Pure electric
29. http://www.evi-usa.com
30. GILILG – Diesel hybrid electric
31. http://www.gillig.com/
32. ISE Corporation – Gasoline, diesel and hydrogen hybrid electrics; pure electric;
hydrogen.
33. http://www.isecorp.com/
34. New Flyer of America – Gasoline, diesel and hydrogen hybrid electrics; CNG;
LNG
35. http://www.newflyer.com
Appendix Manufacturers/Distributors of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 56 of 64
36. Optima Bus Corp. – Diesel hybrid electric; CNG; LPG
37. http://www.optimabus.com
38. Specialty Vehicles (Trolleys) – CNG; LPG
39. http://www.specialtyvehicles.com/
40. TransTeq – Diesel hybrid electric
41. http://www.transteq.com
42. VanHool – Electric (overhead contact system); CNG
43. www.vanhool.be
44. School Buses
45. Blue Bird Corp. – CNG; LPG
46. http://www.blue-bird.com/
47. Thomas Built Buses – CNG
48. http://www.thomasbus.com/
Cars/Trucks:
Type Manuf. Model (MPG city/hwy)
Hybrid Electric
1. Sedan: Honda Accord (28/35)
2. Sedan: Honda Civic (49/51)
3. Sedan: Toyota Camry (40/38)
4. Sedan: Toyota Lexus GS 450h (25/28)
5. Sedan: Toyota Prius (60/51)
6. Sedan: Nissan Altima (42/36)
7. SUV: Ford: Escape (36/31)
8. SUV: Ford: Mercury Mariner (33/29)
9. SUV: GM-Saturn VUE Green Line (27/32)
10. SUV: Toyota Highlander (31/27)
11. SUV: Toyota Lexus RX 400h (31/27)
Compressed Natural Gas
12. Sedan: Honda Civic GX (28/39)
Ethanol / Flexible Fuel
13. Sedan: DaimlerChrysler Chrysler Sebring (15/20)
14. Sedan: Ford Crown Victoria (13/17)
15. Sedan: Ford Grand Marquis (13/17)
16. Sedan: Ford Lincoln Town Car (13/17)
17. Sedan: GM-Chevrolet Impala (13/23)
18. Sedan: GM-Chevrolet Monte Carlo (16/23)
19. Sedan: Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport (14/18)
20. SUV: DaimlerCrysler Chrysler Aspen (10/14)
21. SUV: DaimlerCrysler Dodge Durango (10/14)
22. SUV: DaimlerCrysler Jeep Commander (10/14)
23. SUV: DaimlerCrysler Grand Cherokee (10/14)
Appendix Manufacturers/Distributors of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 57 of 64
24. SUV: GM-Chevrolet Police Tahoe (12/16)
25. SUV: GM-Chevrolet Suburban (12/16)
26. SUV: GM-Chevrolet Tahoe (12/16)
27. SUV: GM-GMC Yukon (13/16)
28. SUV: GM-GMC Yukon XL (13/16)
29. SUV: Nissan Armada (10/13)
30. Truck: DaimlerCrysler Dodge Dakota (10/14)
31. Truck: DaimlerCrysler Dodge Ram Pickup (9/13)
32. Truck: Ford F-150 (11/14)
33. Truck: GM-Chevrolet Avalanche (12/16)
34. Truck: GM-Chevrolet Silverado (12/16)
35. Truck: GM-GMC Sierra (12/16)
36. Truck: Nissan Titan (10/13)
37. Van: DaimlerCrysler Dodge Caravan (13/17)
38. Van: DaimlerCrysler Dodge Grand Caravan (10/14)
39. Van: GM-Chevrolet Uplander (13/19)
40. Van: DaimlerCrysler Town and Country (13/17)
41. Van: GM-Buick Terraza (13/19)
42. Van: GM-Chevrolet Express (10/13)
43. Van: GM-GMC Savana (10/13)
Heavy Trucks and Equipment:
Vehicle Manufacturers – Available fuel types from manufacturer:
Backhoes
1. No current technologies are available for direct use in this field; retrofits or
rebuilds is likely the best option.
2. Fire Trucks
3. No current technologies are available for direct use in this field; however some
vehicles from the “Trucks” could potentially be converted.
4. Note: ISE Corporation has been involved with projects that allow a customer to
choose a vehicle and convert it into an alternatively powered vehicle (most
often of the hybrid electric family)
5. Street Sweepers
6. Elgin Sweeper Company – CNG; LPG
7. http://www.elginsweeper.com/home_2.asp
8. TYMCO International LTD – CNG; LPG.
9. http://www.tymco.com/
10. Trucks (Loaders, etc.)
11. Autocar LLC – CNG; LNG
12. http://www.autocartruck.com/
13. Crane Carrier Company – LNG; CNG
14. http://www.cranecarrier.com/
Appendix Manufacturers/Distributors of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 58 of 64
15. Electric Vehicles International – Pure electric
16. http://www.evi-usa.com
17. Peterbuilt Motors – LNG; CNG
18. http://www.peterbilt.com/
19. Solectria Corporation – Pure electric; diesel hybrid electric
20. http://www.solectria.com
Appendix Efficiency Worksheet for Capital Improvement Projects
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 59 of 64
Circle the correct answer
1. Does this project involve vehicles? Yes No
If yes, continue to skip to #7. If no, continue to the next question.
FIXED ASSETS
2. Does the project include installation, repair or replacement of mechanical equipment requiring
energy, such as pumps, motors, lighting, and/or heating & cooling equipment?
Y e s N o
If yes, please complete the ‘Building Solutions’ worksheet of the ‘Energy Tracker’ and then continue
to the next question. If no, skip to question #4.
3. Has the most energy efficient equipment been incorporated into this project, or is existing
equipment being upgraded/serviced to maximize energy efficiency?
Yes No
If yes, please go to the next question. If no, please explain the circumstances why it is not.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Does the project include construction, repair, or remodeling of the exterior ‘shell’ (exterior walls,
roof and foundation) of a conditioned building (one that is heated and/or cooled)?
Y e s N o
If yes, please complete the ‘Building Solutions’ worksheet of the ‘Energy Tracker’ and then continue
to the next question. If no, skip to question #6.
5. Has the ‘shell’ been optimized with the highest insulation levels, lowest air infiltration rates and
most efficient windows and doors feasible?
Yes No
If yes, please go to the next question. If no, please explain the circumstances why it is not.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Has the proposed design been modeled to verify the buildings projected energy efficiency
performance?
Yes No
If yes, please go to the next question. If no, please explain the circumstances why it has not.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Appendix Efficiency Worksheet for Capital Improvement Projects
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 60 of 64
VEHICLES
7. Does the project include significant repair or replacement of a vehicle using fossil fuel energy?
Y e s N o
If yes, please complete the ‘Vehicle Solutions’ worksheet of the ‘Energy Tracker’ and then continue to
the next question. If no, you have finished completing this checklist.
8. If a new vehicle is being purchased, has the use of the vehicle been reviewed to see if a smaller,
more fuel efficient vehicle is appropriate?
Yes No
If yes, then continue to the next question. If no, please explain the circumstances why not.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9. Has the most fuel efficient vehicle of its class been proposed, or is the existing vehicle being
upgraded to maximize fuel efficiency?
Yes No
If yes, you are finished completing this checklist. If no, please explain the circumstances why it is not.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Appendix High Performance Building Process
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 61 of 64
Meeting the Energy Challenge requires a commitment to building and operating buildings that incorporate
‘Best Practices’ in every aspect of a building. This includes form, function and performance. High performing
buildings use less energy, cost less to operate, are more durable, are more comfortable for occupants, improve
employee productivity and produce fewer greenhouse gases. This process should be used for all remodels,
additions and new buildings. It is a living document that will change as new ideas are incorporated. Below are
the steps that should be used in every project.
1. Lose the term ‘green.’ As described above, high performance is more than protecting the environment and must
be part of the definition of ‘quality’ from the start.
2. Convene an initial design charette with all project stakeholders. Include a representative from each of the
following entities that is applicable for brainstorming and conceptual design. This one meeting can save time later
and result in much greater energy and cost savings by giving clear direction and expertise about the most cost-
effective ways to meet the project goals.
□ Owners/investors
□ Local Building Department
□ High Performance Building expertise (Schmueser Gordon Meyer!)
□ user group (staff, public, etc.)
□ Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE)
□ maintenance staff
□ commissioning agent (for large non-residential projects)
□ Home Energy Rater (for residential projects)
□ champion (refer to step # 8)
□ representative with historical climate perspective
□ other appropriate representative(s)
If possible, include proposed architects, engineers, and contractor and key sub-contractors as early as possible.
3. Establish and commit to environmental performance goals early, preferably at design charette. Energy
efficiency/GHG reductions should be a primary goal for all projects. At a minimum, policy should be established to
design buildings to exceed energy usage standards in local code by a minimum of 30%, or establish a btu/sq. ft.
target based on type of use at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_bldg_design.bus_target_finder. Develop
strategies to meet the energy goals.
Goals should address all of the following issues:
□ Energy Efficiency/GHG reductions (30% better than code minimum)
□ Building durability (How long should the building last? Should it be easy to maintain? Etc.)
□ Optimized Indoor air quality (Minimize toxic materials, provide good ventilation, etc.)
□ Resource efficiency (Use of fewer, reused, recycled or recyclable materials.)
□ Adaptability for future needs (Can space be reconfigured easily in the future?)
□ Deconstructibility at end of life (Can the building materials be reused or recycled easily?)
4. Budget for performance. In the budgeting process, include projected operating/lifecycle costs; cost of full
commissioning including design review and building testing; cost of more efficient HVAC equipment and other
performance-enhancing components. If building will be LEED certified, include cost of energy modeling and
ancillary costs of documentation, fees, etc. For projects designed and budgeted prior to this policy, review the
budget before the project begins to ensure that it includes high performance.
Appendix High Performance Building Process
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 62 of 64
5. Select architects, engineers, commissioning agent and contractors with ‘green’ design/building credentials.
Include performance or ‘green’ design experience in the initial request for proposals or hiring discussion. Finding
an architect and mechanical engineer with a commitment to, and expertise/experience in, performance building is
the most important part of the process. Having a general contractor who is willing to meet performance goals is also
critical. All sub-contractors and sub-consultants should know that environmental concerns are a primary
consideration, and that they must incorporate agreed-upon performance principles or default on their contract. If
pursuing LEED or any other third party certification, achieving the applicable credits will be part of contractual
obligations. Drawings and specifications will clearly call out performance requirements. A pre-bid and pre-
construction meeting will include performance goals. If necessary, hire a performance building consultant for peer
review.
6. Write contracts ensuring environmental performance. Part of any and all contractor contracts should be that
they will support LEED or other ‘green’ building standard documentation. Distribute all applicable reference
material to project team, such as any existing performance guidelines and checklists. Ensure that the design team
understands the high priority of environmental performance. If they don’t, refer to step # 5.
7. Meet often. Require that mechanical engineer, architect, commissioning agent, general contractor and key sub-
contractors (when applicable) meet regularly to review the design. Meetings with all stakeholders listed in step # 3
should take place at least:
□ Before design begins
□ Before the construction document phase
□ Before construction begins
□ As needed throughout construction
8. Find a champion. Each project must have a champion that will watchdog the project through final
commissioning to ensure performance goals are met. This person will attend all meetings.
9. Green FF & E. Ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account when selecting furnishing,
fittings, and equipment. The following guidelines should be used for specifying/selecting such materials:
□ Energy Star® appliances and/or equipment (It is particularly important that commercial equipment be
specified as energy efficient)
□ Zero or at least low toxic finishes
□ Recycled and/or recyclable finishes
□ Water efficient fixtures exceeding code
□ Materials that allow for minimal maintenance and adaptability
10. Convene follow up meeting of all stakeholders after building completion, and one year later, to discuss
successes and failures. These “post-occupancy evaluations” are critical and should include surveys of occupants and
assessment of performance measures like energy use. Document these, and release them to the public, preferably
through an article in a green building journal.
Appendix High Performance Building Process
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com Page 63 of 64
RESOURCES: What is performance building and how do you know it when you see it?
Non-residential: Whether you pursue LEED certification or not, the various LEED programs serve as an
excellent guideline for great performance (www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19.) I would
recommend purchasing the appropriate LEED Resource Guide at the start of the project.
Residential: Use the Aspen/Pitkin Efficient Building Program Checklist, Guidelines and Resource Guide (found
at www.aspenpitkin.com/depts/41/bldg_efficient.cfm) for guidance. Or, if you want to test drive a new program
try LEED for Homes (found at www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147.)
Materials & General info: Building Green.com is an excellent, up to date resource for ‘green’ products. Check
with Environmental Health to access to the subscription-based information.
For salvaged materials, visit www.builder2builder.com.
Appendix Offsetting CO2 Emissions from Snowmelt Analysis
Vail Energy Action Plan www.sgm-inc.com
Page 64 of 64
Town of Vail
Building Recommendations
118 West 6th Street, Suite 200
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970.945.1004
von
Building Recommendations
Table of Contents
About these Recommendations....................................................................................................3
Building Summary of Findings....................................................................................................3
Donovan Park Pavilion .......................................................................................................3
Lionshead Parking Structure ...............................................................................................3
Library.................................................................................................................................3
Municipal Building and Community Development Buildings ...........................................4
Vail Fire East and # 2 Stations............................................................................................4
Public Works Administration and Shop .............................................................................4
Challenges & Solutions................................................................................................................4
HVAC ..........................................................................................................................................5
Boilers and Furnaces ...........................................................................................................5
Air Conditioners..................................................................................................................6
Ventilation...........................................................................................................................7
Water Heating ..............................................................................................................................8
Lighting ........................................................................................................................................9
Electrical - Miscellaneous ..........................................................................................................17
Plumbing Fixtures ......................................................................................................................19
Building Envelope .....................................................................................................................20
Summary of Solutions................................................................................................................22
Next Steps ..................................................................................................................................22
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................23
Recommendations for Reducing Air Infiltration ..............................................................23
Town of Vail Building Recommendations.doc www.sgm-inc.com Page 2 of 25
Building Recommendations
About these Recommendations
The recommendations that follow represent solutions to some of the more common challenges
found in commercial/governmental buildings in Western Colorado. Because the Town of
Vail’s buildings have not had formal energy assessments performed as of yet (as recommended
in Solution BM 1/1), they are intended to cover several likely conditions, such as multiple
lighting and HVAC systems. All solutions could apply to all buildings, unless otherwise noted.
Summary of Findings
SGM walked through all primary buildings owned and operated by the Town of Vail. The
solutions recommended on the following pages should be applied where applicable to all
buildings; however the following summary highlights the obvious opportunities in each
building. After reviewing the utility bills and touring all buildings, it is clear that an
investment-grade audit would identify considerable savings for the Town of Vail and is
therefore highly recommended.
Donovan Park Pavilion
Donovan Park is a 6,000 square foot building with a Teledyne-Laars boiler for heating and a
Carrier air conditioner. High natural gas use was noted for this building. The primary
contributing factors include a high percentage of un-insulated glazing, extremely high ceilings,
boilers located outside of the building envelope, and un-insulated pipes to and from the boiler.
The building does have good natural lighting; however, on our visit the building was
unoccupied but some interior lighting was on. Inefficient appliances and plumbing fixtures
were also noted.
Library
The ‘green roof’ on the library improves stormwater quality and provides additional insulation,
and the corridor daylighting reduces lighting demand; however the building still has very high
utility bills. The primary contributing factors include the gas fireplace, inefficient lighting
throughout, very limited lighting controls, and potentially HVAC maintenance. Inefficient
appliances and plumbing fixtures were also noted. A comprehensive building audit is
recommended.
Lionshead Parking Structure
The Information Center at the parking structure has inefficient lighting, deteriorated windows,
and overall weatherization challenges. The parking garage food court and daycare area has
inefficient lighting, inefficient electric baseboard heat, and potentially lacks general HVAC
maintenance. It should be noted that windows were open while the furnaces where operating,
indicating that the building is not operating nearly as efficiently as it can. The garage lighting
appears to have been upgraded; however another upgrade with newer technology would likely
be cost effective at this time. Inefficient appliances and plumbing fixtures were also noted. A
comprehensive building audit is recommended.
Town of Vail Building Recommendations.doc www.sgm-inc.com Page 3 of 25
Building Recommendations
Municipal Building and Community Development Buildings
High natural gas and electricity use was noted for these buildings. The primary contributing
factors include inefficient lighting, very few lighting controls, and potentially a lack of HVAC
maintenance. Inefficient appliances and plumbing fixtures were also noted. A comprehensive
building audit is recommended.
Public Works Administration and Shop
The administration building appeared in good shape and had efficient lighting in nearly all
visible areas. Replacing the existing domestic water heating system with an on demand water
heating system would save in natural gas use. The shop building has good daylighting, but
lighting controls were lacking. Cleaning the clerestory windows would allow more daylight in
and lessen the need for additional lighting. The Shop roof has great potential for a photovoltaic
system. A comprehensive building audit on the Shop is recommended.
Vail Fire East and # 2 Stations
Both stations are old and offer great opportunity for improvement. High natural gas and
electricity use was noted for both buildings. The primary contributing factors include air
infiltration, inefficient lighting and potentially a lack of HVAC maintenance. It should be
noted that the east station has heat tape on the shake shingle roof with dry pine needles
accumulating, which appears to be a fire hazard. Inefficient appliances and plumbing fixtures
were also noted. A comprehensive building audit is recommended.
Vail Transportation Center
In general, some areas have efficient lighting, many don’t. Extremely inefficient quartz
lighting was noted on the plaza. The garage lighting appears to have been upgraded; however
another upgrade with newer technology would likely be cost effective at this time. This
building also houses several new boilers for the snowmelt system. The older boiler, which
appeared to provide space heat, would likely be cost effective to replace. Inefficient appliances,
vending machines and plumbing fixtures were also noted. A comprehensive building audit is
recommended.
Challenges & Solutions
When identifying potential improvements, the reader will note that they are referred to as
‘Challenges’ and ‘Solutions.’ Some issues may be viewed as a problem, or even a hazard, but
viewed in a different light; they represent only a challenge that requires an appropriate
solution.
All solutions noted that are projected to reduce energy use have been evaluated for simple
paybacks. Return on investment evaluation specific to these buildings can be calculated using
the Municipal Energy Tracker provided.
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Building Recommendations
HVAC
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a facility consists of a system
of motors, fans, ducts, controls, and heat exchanger units which deliver heated and cooled air
to the buildings interior space. The purpose of the HVAC system is to add or remove heat and
moisture from the air and to remove air contaminants from the facility to maintain a desired
environment for people, products, and equipment. Comfort and an acceptable level of indoor
air quality are critical functions of the HVAC system.
Boilers and Furnaces
Challenge H1: (Donovan Park Pavilion) Boiler is older, dirty or is operating
inefficiently (It’s located outside).
Solution: The boiler and the furnace should be cleaned, serviced, and the combustion
analyzed by a qualified HVAC service company to determine if the boiler is producing carbon
monoxide and/or warrants further examination or repairs.
Benefit: Having the boiler and the furnace serviced may eliminate any safety concerns and
will likely increase the efficiency.
Optional Solution: An option to the above mentioned solution would be to replace the
existing boiler with a high performance boiler, and relocate it to within conditioned space. Any
new boiler should have the highest AFUE rating (aka efficiency rating) that is reasonable.
SGM is available to size equipment and or design new systems.
Benefit: Replacing & relocating the boiler will reduce utility & maintenance costs.
Challenge H2: (Donovan Park Pavilion) The boiler and the heat circulating pump(s)
are outdated, bypassed (controlled manually) or lack an outdoor reset control.
Solution: Outdoor reset controls to adjust the boiler temperature and cycle the pump(s)
should be installed on the existing boiler. This control could also be used on the domestic
water heaters.
Benefit: This type of control can reduce heating energy consumption by as much as 10%.
Challenge H3: (Donovan Park Pavilion) The supply & return boiler piping is not
insulated.
Solution: Have a qualified insulation technician insulate the pipes.
Benefit: Typically insulating the pipes can save approximately 10% for pipes installed in
non-conditioned spaces.
Challenge H4: (Library) The gas fireplace is not operating efficiently. The flames are
set very high.
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Building Recommendations
Solution: Have a qualified HVAC technician adjust the gas pressure.
Benefit: As the gas fireplace is not a primary source of heat, reducing the flame will not
reduce its benefit, but will reduce gas use.
Challenge H5: (Library) The glass doors for the fireplace are open.
Solution: Keep the fireplace glass doors closed at all times.
Benefit: The glass doors are designed to let the heat from the fire place into the room and
keep heated air in the room from exhausting up the flue when closed. If the doors are left open
heated air is swept up the flue. A draft effect is continually drawing conditioned air out of the
space whether or not a fire is burning.
Air Conditioners
Challenge AC1: The chiller system(s) lacks annual maintenance.
Solution: The chiller, refrigerant loop, cooling fans, etc. should be serviced by a qualified
HVAC service company annually to ensure that the chiller is operating at peak performance
and whether further examination or repairs are warranted. The chiller coils should be cleaned
annually.
Benefit: Having the chiller system serviced and cleaned annually will likely increase the
efficiency and may eliminate safety concerns.
Challenge AC2: The distribution system is not in balance, often due to previous
retrofits/remodels. As office space is changed or added new ducts are installed and old vents
eliminated, this causes some areas to receive too much cooling and other areas not enough.
Solution: Have a qualified HVAC technician balance the distribution system.
Benefit: By balancing the system the conditioning units will operate more efficiently and
occupant comfort will likely increase.
Challenge AC3: The cooling system (roof top or split system) has dirty filters and
coils. Dirty filters and coils decrease air flow which decreases the overall efficiency of the heat
exchange coils.
Solution: Have a qualified HVAC technician change the filters and clean the coils at least
semi-annually.
Benefit: Clean filters and coils can increase efficiency by 10 to 15%.
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Building Recommendations
Ventilation
Challenge V1: The building has poor indoor air quality indicated by ‘stuffiness’ or the
proliferation of viruses and bacteria. The ventilation system may not be in compliance with
ASHRAE Standard 62-2001, or simply meet current best practices.
Solution: Have a qualified HVAC technician evaluate the ventilation system for
compliance.
Benefit: Although there is no requirement for the buildings to be in compliance with the
ASHRAE standard, this evaluation is recommended because a building’s indoor air quality can
greatly affect the comfort and productivity of its occupants. A ventilation system that performs
well can also increase efficiency by eliminating the need for space heaters and/or individual
fans.
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Building Recommendations
Water Heating
The domestic water heating system for a facility typically consists of a system of motors,
pumps, distribution lines, storage tanks, and independent water heater(s) or heat exchanger
units (if utilizing the boiler system for heating).
Challenge HW1: The hot water distribution lines in some parts of the buildings are not
insulated.
Solution: Have a qualified contractor install insulation on all accessible hot water pipes.
As other pipes are exposed during remodels and/or repairs, insulate them as well.
Benefit: Installing insulation will reduce heat loss while reducing energy use as well.
Another great advantage is the reduced wait time for hot water. Pipe insulation typically can
reduce domestic water heating energy use by up to 5%.
Challenge HW2: The water heating system is not operating as efficiently as possible.
Solution: Install a solar hot water pre-heat system to the current water heating system.
Benefit: Installing a solar hot water pre-heat system will significantly reduce the water
heating energy use.
Challenge HW3: The water heater is showing signs of deterioration or is older than 5
years.
Solution: Create a ‘game plan’ for replacement if the water heater is more than 5 years
old. The plan should include selecting a high efficiency model and having
specification/purchase information on hand so that when it fails, you’re prepared. Options for
the new unit should include a tankless water heater (when demand is relatively low, such as in
the Municipal and Public Works facilities). Another option would be to eliminate the stand
alone units and create an indirect-fired system, provided the heating plant is high efficiency
and modulating.
Benefit: Often replacing a water heater is done under emergency circumstances and
therefore efficiency doesn’t drive the purchase decision.
Challenge P1-P3: The plumbing fixtures throughout the building are not high
efficiency models. Although replacing fixtures with high efficiency units greatly reduces how
water use, the solutions are listed in the ‘Plumbing Fixture’ section of this report.
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Building Recommendations
Lighting
A typical lighting system consists of light sources (lamps), luminaries (fixtures), and ballasts.
Each component will affect the performance, energy use and annual operating cost of the
lighting system. The lighting system provides many opportunities for energy savings. Cost
effective energy savings can be accomplished with little or no inconvenience. Lighting
accounts for approximately 30% of the total energy cost in most commercial buildings.
When considering a lighting retrofit for significant energy-use and power-demand reductions,
the minimum lighting level standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) should be
followed to ensure safety and productivity of the building occupants. Lighting retrofits offer
the following benefits to visitors and staff:
Energy savings
Lighting retrofits can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce electric bills, while
maintaining lighting levels and quality. Upgrading to more efficient and advanced technologies
also gives greater control over lighting allowing for additional energy savings.
Improved lighting quality
Lighting retrofits can improve lighting quality by targeting problem areas with specific design
considerations to overcome common lighting issues. Newer technologies also add increased
reliability to the lighting system; therefore, fewer short-term lighting quality issues should
arise. These newer technologies often have better lighting quality characteristics, such as
improved color, greater light output, reduced flicker, etc.
Reduced maintenance and labor costs
Improvements in lighting technologies have led to increased lifetimes for components that will
result in fewer failures and lengthen the time between maintenance activities. The
implementation of a routine maintenance program in addition to your lighting retrofit will
greatly simplify your maintenance practices and reduce the operational costs associated with
maintaining your lighting systems.
Pollution reduction
By consuming less electricity, your facility will help reduce the demand and associated
emissions from non-renewable power generation. These harmful emissions include CO2 and
other greenhouse gases.
Renewable energy systems
For those facilities served by photovoltaic or other renewable energy systems, efficient lighting
will help limit power demands. Using more efficient lighting will require less power to be
generated, stored, and used to accomplish the same tasks, making renewable energy systems
more economically and technically feasible.
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Building Recommendations
Challenge L1: Some existing light fixtures use inefficient incandescent lamps.
Solution: Incandescent lamps are one of the most inefficient lighting sources available.
Among these is the ubiquitous Edison lamp (A_lamp). A-lamps can be replaced with compact
fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to achieve a 75% energy savings. The following considerations need
to be addressed:
• First determine if replacing the entire fixture might be more appropriate. Often a fixture
specifically designed for a CFL or other energy-efficient source will operate more
efficiently than one that is simply retrofitted.
• General rule of thumb for selecting replacement CFLs: Replace A-lamps with CFLs one-
quarter of A-lamp wattage for equal light output.
• Verify that CFL replacement is compatible with any spatial limitations of the fixture. CFLs
are available in many different sizes and styles, so you should be able to find one for
almost any fixture.
Benefits:
• Low maintenance (long lamp life)
• High reliability
• Energy savings
• Cost savings
• Opportunity for rebates
Source Type Efficacy Lamp Life Cost/year*
A-Lamp 15 lumens per watt 1,000 hours $23.36
CFL 60 lumens per watt 10,000 hours $5.84
Table 1.9 Comparison of an incandescent and a compact fluorescent lamp.
*Cost/year based on a comparison of a 100 W A-lamp and a 25 W CFL, 8 hours per day, 365
days a year, at a utility rate of $.08 per kWh.
Optional Solution: Replace old incandescent fixture with a new fixture designed for
CFL pin-based lamps. This approach involves the complete removal of the old fixture and
replacement with a fixture designed to operate pin-based CFL lamps. The ballast and a socket
designed specifically for a CFL lamp are integrated into the fixture. When the lamp expires,
only it is replaced. A new fixture needs to be selected that matches the performance (light
output and distribution) of the existing incandescent fixture.
Benefits:
• Insured energy savings (fixture cannot be re-lamped to incandescent)
• Improved performance—light output, maintenance and lamp life
• Potential for good light distribution and lighting quality since the fixture has been designed
explicitly for a CFL
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Building Recommendations
Drawbacks:
• Typically a higher first cost
• Involves using an electrician
• Requires research/expertise to specify the right fixture
Challenge L2 & L9: The fluorescent lighting uses inefficient T12 florescent lamps
incompatible with dimmer controls.
Solution: Replace T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts with T8 lamps, electronic ballasts and
dimmer controls. This is preferred over replacement of entire fixtures for the following
reasons:
• Simple upgrade to newer technology.
• Original fixture is reused
• Requires basic rewiring of ballast for installation and swapping of lamps.
NOTE: Many fixtures in all Town of Vail facilities use ‘U tube’ fluorescent lamps. These
lamps are less effective than linear fluorescents and require yet another bulb type to be
stored and ordered. It may make sense from a maintenance perspective to unify as many
lamp types as possible, thus replacing all U tube fixtures with 4’ T-8 fixtures.
Benefits:
• Quick installation
• Low cost for materials and installation
• Energy savings of approximately 30%
• Longer lamp life (lower maintenance)
• Electronic ballasts allow the use of dimmer switches
• Dimmer switches allow even greater energy savings
• Visual quality improvements
Drawbacks:
• May not improve lighting quality
• Doesn’t address potential for glare
• Diffusers may be necessary to reduce glare
T12 Lamps T8 lamps
Power 40W 32W
Lumens 3000 3000
Efficacy 75 lumens per watt 94 lumens per watt
Lamp Life 12,000 hours 20,000 hours
Lumen maintenance 82% light output at 8400 hours 92% light output at 14,000 hours
Table 1.8 Comparison of T-12 and T-8 lamp technologies.
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Building Recommendations
Challenge L3: Emergency exit lamps are inefficient and operate 24/7.
Solution: Install new LED exit light fixtures.
Benefits: These fixtures typically consume no more than 2 - 5 Watts per fixture. Exit
signs offer one of the easiest ways to reduce costs and save energy due to their long operating
hours and traditionally poor source efficacy. If your facility has exit signs that utilize either
incandescent or CFL sources, it is strongly recommended that these exit signs be replaced with
LED exit signs as part of your retrofit program.
• Determine source technology for exit signs.
• Retrofit or replace all incandescent and CFL exit signs with LED exit signs.
• Requires simple rewiring for installation of replacement exit sign.
• Low maintenance (long lamp life: 100,000 hours)
• High reliability
• Energy savings
• Reduce costs
• Short payback period
• Opportunity for rebates
Source Type Power Lamp Life Cost/year*
Incandescent 40W 1,000 hours $28.03
CFL 1-15W 10,000 hours $10.51
LED 2-5W 100,000 hrs $3.50
Table 1.11 Annual savings comparison for incandescent, CFL, and LED exit signs.
*Cost/year based on a comparison of a 40 W A-lamp, a 15 W CFL, and a 5W LED, 24 hours per day,
365 days a year, at a utility rate of $.08 per kWh.
Challenge L4: The exterior lighting circuits are controlled by timers, a less efficient
control for this application.
Solution: Install photosensors to all exterior lighting circuits.
Benefits:
• Reduced maintenance (shorter burn hours)
• Energy savings
• Cost savings
• Eliminates manually adjusting timers for changes in seasons.
Note: Current code requires exit lighting to have battery backup when a building does not
have a backup generator. If you wish to bring buildings up to code that do not have back up
generators then exit lighting with battery backup should be installed.
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Building Recommendations
Challenge L5: The lighting in rooms used intermittently (such as restrooms, kitchens
and storage closets) currently uses toggle switches for control.
Solution: Replace switches with motion/occupancy controls in these ares.
Benefits: Controls offer one of the best retrofit opportunities because they are easy to
implement, have such a wide range of benefits, and typically have short payback periods.
Control devices regulate the operation of lighting fixtures or zones in response to
environmental conditions or predetermined operating characteristics. These include occupancy,
daylight availability, and timer functions.
• Installation requires simple wiring into the circuit being controlled.
• May require a one-time calibration to optimize performance.
• Reduced maintenance (shorter burn hours)
• Energy savings
• Cost savings
Application Area Control Technology
Large offices Ceiling mounted dual technology sensor
Small offices Wall mounted PIR sensor
Restrooms Ceiling mounted dual-technology sensor
Closets and storage areas Wall mounted timer switch
Parking lots Photosensor, timer, hybrid, high-low system
Message boards Photosensor or timer or hybrid or occupancy
Walkways Photosensor or timer or hybrid
Table 1.10 Control technologies for specific areas.
An explanation of each type of control technology follows:
Passive infrared sensors (PIRs) detect changes in infrared energy distribution within their
field of view. PIRs offer defined coverage patterns, which makes this type of sensor ideal for
open room applications such as small offices or workrooms.
Dual technology sensors integrate both PIR and ultrasonic technologies to provide maximum
control coverage of an area and limit the number of false triggers. This technology is more
expensive than single technology systems, but more reliable.This type of sensor is ideal for
large offices.
Wall timer switches have manual “on” functions and then turn off automatically after a preset
time has expired. These can be extremely effective in storage facilities where the space is only
occupied for a short period of time.
Timer circuits are excellent for controlling lighting circuits that only have a few hours of
required operation. This is particularly applicable to exterior lighting applications.
Photosensors require a one-time calibration that will have your lighting system respond to
daylight conditions even as the seasons change. Photosensors will allow you to utilize available
daylight to displace your connected lighting load.
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Building Recommendations
High-low systems are control systems that operate at a low light output (usually 50% or less)
until occupancy is sensed, and then operate at 100% light output. This is an effective strategy
in parking lot lighting allowing for both energy savings and reduction of light pollution.
Hybrid systems combine one or more of the control functions listed above and can optimize
energy savings, light pollution reduction and increased safety.
Challenge L6: Many office spaces are subject to glare and/or too much lighting.
Solution: Use energy efficient CFL and Energy Star® rated task lights for all applicable
work stations and eliminate unneeded overhead lighting.
Benefits: Using task lighting in the office environment can greatly reduce the energy
needed to maintain the appropriate lighting levels. By using a low-wattage fluorescent task
light, it may be possible to turn off/down the overhead lighting in some situations.
Task lighting helps reduce overhead glare by limiting the demands on overhead lighting and
affords the user greater control over distribution and intensity of light. It also helps avoid glare
on the computer screen.
Optional Solution: Replace all T-12 fixtures with T-8 fixtures parabolic louver
diffusers to minimize glare.
Benefits: Installing diffusers will reduce glare to make a more productive work
environment for building occupants by reducing stress. The new fixtures are an option to
lighting Challenge L-3.
Challenge L7: The existing exhibit lighting used for office lighting and hallway
exhibits is a mixture of inefficient incandescent flood, halogen, and compact fluorescent lamps.
Solution: Replace all reflector lamps with CFL reflector lamps.
Benefits: Installing CFL reflectors can have energy savings of approximately 20%.
• Simple upgrade to newer technology.
• Original fixture is reused: new lamp components are compatible with existing fixture and
lamp holders.
• Requires no rewiring.
• Replace incandescent with CFLs one-quarter of incandescent wattage for equal light
output.
• There are many varieties of CFL reflector kits to choose from for your buildings exhibits.
Optional Solution: If CFLs are not desired, replace with Tungsten halogen infrared
lamps.
Benefits: Tungsten halogen infrared lamps (HIR) are used typically in display and spot
lighting applications. Their increased efficacy will allow you to illuminate a display with less
wattage than you could with traditional incandescent lamps. Your effort here is to identify
which type of HIR lamp you need for the function. These lamps typically come in variety of
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Building Recommendations
wattages and beam spreads. Spotlights with narrow beam spreads are used for lighting small
areas in an exhibit. Broader distributions are used for area lighting, or to illuminate a panel of
text. You need to carefully select the beam spread to match the need. The lamp manufacturers
and local representatives can easily help you determine the beam spread required. They can
also help in determining the wattage you need to match your old application.
• Simple upgrade to newer technology.
• Original fixture is reused: new lamp components are compatible with existing fixture and
lamp holders.
• Requires no rewiring.
• Simplified maintenance
• Lower lamp cost than CFLs
• Energy savings of approximately 30%
• Longer lamp life (lower maintenance)
• High lighting quality
• Point source for control in design process
Drawbacks:
• High operating temperature
• More expensive than standard incandescent
• Not nearly as much energy savings as CFLs
Challenge L8: Existing exterior lighting fixtures use inefficient technology and/or
cause unnecessary glare/light pollution.
Solution: Replace exterior lighting with full cutoff compact fluorescent fixtures where
applicable. Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescents.
Benefits:
• Low maintenance (long lamp life: 10,000 hours)
• Energy savings
• Reduce costs
• Short payback period
• Opportunity for rebates
Challenge L10: Many of the lighting fixtures use inefficient mercury vapor lamps.
After five years the light output is reduced by a factor of two. A mercury lamp never really
burns out; it just gets fainter and fainter, using the same amount of energy to produce less light.
Solution: Replace mercury vapor lamps with metal halide lamps.
Benefits:
• Low maintenance (long lamp life)
• High reliability
• Energy savings
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Building Recommendations
• Cost savings
• Dimmable with new electronic ballasts
• Designed for general lighting applications
• Interchangeable with mercury lamps in many applications
• Concentrated source is easily controlled by special fixtures
• Good color rendering characteristic
• Light output is a bright crisp white light
• Twice as efficient as mercury lamps and 6 times as efficient as incandescent
• Buzzing from overworked transformers can be eliminated
Source Type Efficacy Lamp Life Cost/year**
Metal Halide 65 - 115 lumens per
watt
15,000 – 20,000
hours $23.36
Mercury Vapor 35 - 58 lumens per
watt 24,000 hours* $35.04
Table 1.10 Comparison of a Mercury Vapor versus a Metal Halide lamp.
*Mercury Vapor lamps “burn down” producing less light before they burn out.
**Cost/year based on a comparison of a 100 W Metal Halide and a 150 W Mercury Vapor, 8
hours per day, 365 days a year, at a utility rate of $.08 per kWh.
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Building Recommendations
Electrical - Miscellaneous
Challenge E1: The electric bills are notably higher than comparable facilities; although
many of the previously mentioned solutions will contribute to reducing electricity use, the
following solutions are general solutions that don’t necessarily fit into other categories.
Solution 1: Install motion-sensing power strips that turn off power to individual office
areas based on occupancy. For example, if an office cubicle has its task lighting and a space
heater plugged into a power strip, whenever the office area is vacant for more than 30 minutes,
the power to the appliances would turn off. The power would be turned on automatically when
motion is sensed by the power strip. Power strips should be incorporated at work stations to
shut down, monitors, space heaters, etc. Most power strips have at least 1 ‘always on’
receptacle that allows computers to stay on, regardless of occupancy.
Benefits: Power strips can reduce the electrical energy use up to 50%.
Solution 2: Replace appliances, computer, phone, fax and other electronic equipment
with Energy Star® rated appliances through attrition.
Benefits: A policy of purchasing only Energy Star® rated appliances will not only save
energy, but will likely fundamentally change the way products are purchased. A strong
commitment to Energy Star® sends a strong message that energy efficiency is a priority and
should be considered for all purchases.
Solution 3: The roofs of the Public Works Shop buildings have ideal orientation for
installing a photovoltaic system. This system would be ‘grid-tied’ meaning any excess power
the system produces would be sold back to the utility. This is referred to as ‘net-metering’ and
does not require any battery back-up.
Benefits: A photovoltaic system would enable the buildings to generate their own
renewable electricity. Other benefits include redundancy in electricity sources, a bold
statement in environmental efficiency, and a revenue source. At this time there are also several
grants and rebates available that reduce a system’s payback period.
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Building Recommendations
Solution 4: Remove paper towel dispensers and install or upgrade hand dryers in the
restrooms with newer technology.
Benefits: Newer technology hand dryers eliminate the need for paper towels because they
actually dry hands in a very short amount of time. The Mitsubishi Jet Towel hand dryer dries
hands faster while using less electricity than conventional hand dryers or paper towels. The
dryer removes water from both sides of the hands with air gusts of 200 miles per hour. Water is
collected into the drain pan so the floor never gets wet. Table 1.11 shows cost comparisons
with paper towel dispensers. It uses approximately ¼ of the electricity when compared to
conventional hand dryers because it does not heat the air. Benefits include:
• Dries hands in 6 seconds
• Sanitary
• Economical
• Easy Maintenance
• Environmentally Friendly
• Stylish Design
How Much You Save with Jet Towel Number of
Times
Used
Paper
Towel
Cost*
Jet Towel
Elect
Cost** Per
Day
Per
Month
Per
Year
Yearly
Labor***
Annual
Saving
200 $4.80 $0.020 $4.78 $143 $1745 $273 $2,017
400 $9.60 $0.033 $9.57 $287 $3492 $273 $3,765
600 $14.40 $0.046 $14.35 $430 $5239 $273 $5,512
800 $19.20 $0.059 $19.14 $574 $6986 $273 $7,259
1000 $24.00 $0.072 $23.93 $717 $8734 $273 $9,007
Table 1.11Cost Comparisons of Paper Towels with the Jet Towel Dryer.
*Paper Towel - Based on two sheets used per drying at 1.2 cents/sheet.
**Jet Towel - Based on 6 seconds usage per drying at 0.65kw (total input). Stand-by power
consumption at $0.0002/day has also been included into the cost calculations.
***Labor - Based $9/Hour including taxes.
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Building Recommendations
Plumbing Fixtures
Water conservation refers to reducing the use of water through behavioral methods. Water
efficiency refers to reducing the use of water through technologically advanced fixtures,
systems and processes. Both are cost effective and environmentally efficient ways to reduce
the energy impacts from for water, wastewater and water heating systems.
Challenge P1: The faucet aerators in the restrooms and kitchens dispensers are not high
efficiency.
Solution: Replace with high efficiency aerators. In kitchen areas install 1.5 GPM aerators
and in restroom areas install 0.5 – 1.0 GPM aerators.
Benefits: This will likely save approximately 300 to 500 gallons per month.
Challenge P2: Some of the toilets are 2.5 gallons per flush (gpf) or greater.
Solution: Replace toilets with high efficiency toilets. Options include 1.6 GPF, dual flush,
etc. A policy should be established to use products labeled through the WaterSense program
when new plumbing fixtures are being considered for purchase.
Benefits: New toilets can achieve up to 300 gallons per month per toilet in water savings.
Challenge P3: The showerheads in the bathrooms are not high efficiency.
Solution: Replace the showerheads with high efficiency showerheads. A powerful, yet
low flow showerhead is the Oxygenetics showerhead.
Benefits: This will likely save approximately 500 to 1200 gallons per month for a typical
shower stall.
Challenge P4: The water fountain / coolers are inefficient.
Solution: Replace the water fountain coolers with models that satisfy CAPO / ANSI
A117.1 and comply with ADA requirements.
Benefits: Newer, efficient water coolers typically have an energy use savings of 10%.
Challenge P5: The urinals in the men’s rooms use water unnecessarily.
Solution: Replace urinals with ANSI Standard Z124.9 compliant waterless urinals.
Benefits: Waterless urinals can save 1 to 3 gallons of water per use and decreases utility
costs. Newer technology has solved many if not all of the odor and maintenance issues of the
past. The waterless urinal has a coating that is urine repellant, combine this with the fact that
urine is 96% liquid results in drainage without flushing. Maintenance costs are reduced by
elimination of problematic flush valves. Quarterly maintenance requires adding the approved
sealing oil and replacing the seal traps (frequency of replacement depends on use).
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Building Recommendations
Building Envelope
The building envelope includes all building components that are directly exposed to the outside
environment. Its main function is to protect employees and materials from outside weather
conditions and temperature variations. The components of the building envelope are exterior
doors, windows, and walls (including insulation); the roof (including attic or foam insulation);
and, in some cases, the floor.
Challenge BE1: If there are several points of infiltration, this greatly reduces comfort
and wastes energy (such as around exterior windows).
Solution: Refer to SGM’s ‘Recommendation for Reducing Air Infiltration’ in the
Appendix of this document. Have a qualified contractor weatherize the building to a reasonable
level per these recommendations.
Benefits: Reducing air infiltration accomplishes several things. It is one of the more cost
effective strategies for improving overall performance; it minimizes the most common source
of comfort complaints; and can reduce moisture damage.
Challenge BE 2-1: Existing wall insulation level is inadequate, as evidenced by the
metal studs telegraphing through to the interior.
Solution: A policy should be implemented that whenever a wall is opened for remodel or
repairs, new insulation should be installed. The insulation should be a blown product when
possible to reduce air infiltration and have a minimum rating of R-25. With metal studs, rigid
insulation should be installed on the exterior, however this would not be a cost-effective
retrofit.
Benefits: Improved insulation levels will decrease heating and cooling loads and greatly
increase comfort.
Challenge BE 2-2: Existing roof/attic insulation level is inadequate.
Solution 1: Add blown-in cellulose insulation to the roof cavity to achieve an overall
level of R-56.
Solution 2: When the roof is replaced or if there is access to the attic, evaluate the cost-
effectiveness of bringing the existing insulation rating up to R-56 (R-49 min.).
Benefits: Improved insulation levels will decrease heating and cooling loads, improving
comfort and reducing costs.
Challenge BE3: Over-heating in perimeter offices is often due to excessive solar gain
through the windows.
Solution: Have a qualified window treatment contractor review the applicability of
installing window films and/or insulating blinds (such as ‘double-cell’ or ‘honeycomb’ blinds)
where appropriate. Newer films can be clear and have no impact on light quality or view.
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Building Recommendations
Benefits: Film coverings installed on the existing windows would reduce 99% of ultra
violet, UV, rays. This would protect carpeting, furniture, and documents from fading. The
films reflect 78% of the suns heat, therefore reducing cooling loads.
Optional Solution: When replacing the windows become a priority, specify and install
high performance windows (U value < 0.35; SHGC < 0.3).
Benefits: High performance windows are much more energy efficient, provide UV
protection, and reflect the suns heat. Installing new windows with these features would reduce
cooling loads, while greatly increasing comfort levels for occupants of the building.
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Building Recommendations
Summary of Solutions
It is highly recommended that all solutions be carefully evaluated against your organizations
priorities. For example, comfort may be a higher priority than payback (particularly the
employees in an un-insulated office!) If reducing CO2 emissions is a high priority than
electricity savings may be more important than natural gas savings, as natural gas is a cleaner
fuel. There may also be economies of scale in implementing some longer-term solutions
together with short-term solutions.
Next Steps
Although the recommended solutions have great potential, they won’t implement themselves.
To implement them will require coordination and cooperation between, building owners,
tenants, facility managers, contractors, etc. For this, the Town of Vail will need to:
1. Identify whether recommendations should be implemented by staff or through an Energy
Services Company, as is recommended in Solution BM 1/1.
2. Create a prioritized list for implementation.
3. Implement solutions.
4. Establish procedures to ensure continued high performance maintenance and operation.
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Appendix
Recommendations for Reducing Air Infiltration For more information, contact Dan
Richardson at 970.945.1004 or danr@sgm-inc.com
1. Slab floors: Seal all holes in the slab to prevent entry of water vapor and soil gas. This includes sealing the
edges and all penetrations with caulk and/or spray foam.
2. Sill plate and rim joist: Seal all gaps between sill plates and foundation walls. Rubber gaskets are the
recommended sill seal. An alternative is to spray the entire rim joist cavity and sill plate gap with 3” of spray
foam. Caulk or rubber gaskets should be applied between the top of the rim joist and subflooring. (Refer to Figure
II.2 &7)
3. Bottom plate: Use either caulk, construction adhesive or gaskets to seal between the bottom plate and
subflooring. (Refer to Figure II.7)
4. Subfloor: Use an adhesive to seal the seams between all pieces of subflooring.
5. Electrical wiring: Use wire-compatible caulk or spray foam to seal penetrations in the thermal envelope. This
includes in all exterior walls where the wires travel to the exterior and on all interior walls where wires travel to
an attic or vented crawlspace. (Refer to Figure 10.1 & 10.4)
6. Electrical boxes: Use approved caulk or foam to seal wiring penetrations of electrical boxes. Seal between
the interior finish material and boxes with foam gaskets. Caulk foam gaskets to all electrical boxes in exterior and
interior walls before installing cover plates. (Refer to Figure 10.3)
7. Recessed light fixtures: Avoid placing recessed lights in insulated ceilings unless they are specifically
designed to be airtight. Install IC-rated fixtures that have passed the ASTM E-283 test for air leakage. In this case,
the trim should be caulked or foam gasketed to the interior finish material. Where possible, install air-tight ‘top
hats’ or install fixtures in drop-down soffits that are sealed to unconditioned space. (Refer to Figure 10.5 & 10.6)
8. Exhaust fans: Seal between the fan housing and the interior finish material. Choose products with tight-
fitting backdraft dampers.
9. Plumbing: Locate plumbing in interior wails, and minimize penetrations. Seal all penetrations with foam
sealant or caulk. Use caulk or spray foam to seal penetrations in the thermal envelope. This includes in all exterior
walls where the pipes travel to the exterior and on all interior walls where pipes travel to an attic or vented
crawlspace. (Refer to Figure 9.1 & 9.2)
10. Windows & Doors: The gap between the frame and the framing should be insulated/sealed with minimally
expanding foam, both on the outside and inside edges. Units should be properly weatherstripped.
11. Attic access: Weatherstrip attic access openings. For pull-down stairs, use latches to hold the door panel
tightly against the weather stripping. Cover the attic access opening with an insulated box.
12. Whole house fan: Purchase fans with closable, insulated louvers or use a panel made of rigid insulation or
plastic to seal the interior louvers when not in use. The trim should be caulked or foam gasketed to the interior
finish material.
13. Evaporative Coolers: Coolers and ductwork should be capable of being completely sealed from the
interior during winter months. Covers should be installed over the units and ductwork should have dampers,
operable louvers or at the bare minimum, magnetic covers over the grills.
14. Flue stacks: Install a code-approved flue collar and seal with fire-rated caulk.
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15. Combustion appliances: Purchase sealed-combustion appliances or closely follow local codes for fire
stopping measures, which reduce air leakage as well as increase the safety of the appliance. Make certain all
combustion appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces, have an outside source of combustion air and tight-fitting
dampers or doors. It should be noted that sealed combustion appliances are even more important in a well-sealed
house. (Refer to Chapter 8)
16. Return and supply registers: Seal all boots connected to registers or grilles to the interior finish material.
Any boots located on exterior walls should be separated form the rim joist with spray or rigid foam insulation.
(Refer to Figure 8.14)
17. Ductwork: Avoid locating any ductwork in unconditioned space. Any ductwork in conditioned space should
be insulated to R-8 (min.). Seal all joints in supply and return duct systems with mastic, not duct tape. (Refer to
Figure 8.11 – 8.16)
18. Air handling unit (for heating and cooling system): Seal all cracks and unnecessary openings with
mastic. Seal service panels with tape.
19. Dropped ceiling soffit: Use sheet material or ThermoPly®, and sealant to stop air leakage from attic into
the soffit or wall framing, and then insulate. . (Refer to Figure 10.6)
20. Chases (for ductwork, flues, etc.): Prevent air leakage through these bypasses with sheet materials and
sealants.
21. Party Walls/Common Walls: These walls should be treated like exterior walls, with all joints and
penetrations sealed with rubber gaskets, caulk or spray foam. Party walls are notorious sources or air leakage.
22. Consider using an air flow retarder system. (Refer to back side of this checklist and Appendix II)
NOTE: All references are to Builder’s Guide: Cold Climates, by Joseph Lstiburek, Ph.D., P.Eng.
This book is available at www.eeba.org. For more information, contact Dan Richardson at 970.945.1004
or danr@sgm-inc.com
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The following air flow retarders information is from Appendix II. (For details refer to Figures II.1-
II.17)
Air flow retarders keep outside and inside air out of the building envelope. Air flow retarders can be
located anywhere in the building envelope—at the exterior surface, the interior surface, or at any
location in between. In practice, it is generally desirable to provide both interior and exterior air flow
retarders. In heating climates, interior air flow retarders control the exfiltration of interior, often
moisture-laden, air.
Whereas exterior air flow retarders control the infiltration of exterior air and prevent wind-washing
through insulation.
Wherever they are, air flow retarders should be:
impermeable to air flow
continuous over the entire building envelope
able to withstand the forces that may act on them during and after construction
durable over the expected lifetime of the building
Four common approaches are used to provide air flow retarders in residential buildings:
interior air flow retarder using drywall and framing
interior air flow retarder using polyethylene
exterior air flow retarder using exterior sheathing
exterior air flow retarder using building paper
Some spray applied foam insulations can be used as interstitial (cavity) air flow retarders, notably
polyurethane foams. Typically applied damp spray cellulose is not an effective interstitial air flow
retarder.
An advantage of interior air flow retarders over exterior systems is that they control the entry of interior
moisture-laden air into assembly cavities during heating periods. The significant disadvantage of
interior air flow retarders is their inability to control wind-washing through cavity insulation.
The significant advantage of exterior air flow retarders is the ease of installation and the lack of
detailing issues due to intersecting partition walls and service penetrations. However, exterior air flow
retarders must deal with transitions where roof assemblies intersect exterior walls. For example, an
exterior building paper (“house wrap”) should be sealed to ceiling air flow retarder system across the
top of the exterior perimeter walls.
An additional advantage of exterior air flow retarder systems is the control of wind-washing that an
exterior air seal provides. The significant disadvantage of exterior air flow retarders is their inability to
control the entry of air-transported moisture into cavities from the interior.
Installing both interior and exterior air flow retarders addresses the weakness of each.
Air flow retarders can also be provided with properties which also class them as vapor diffusion
retarders. An example of this is polyethylene film which can be used as both an air flow retarder and a
vapor diffusion retarder.
Resources for air sealing products:
Energy Federation Incorporated (www.energyfederation.org): An excellent source for air sealing
products, mechanical ventilation products and general water & energy conservation products.
Shelter Supply (www.sheltersupply.com): An excellent source for air sealing products, mechanical
ventilation products and general water & energy conservation products. They also sell Builder’s
Guide: Cold Climates.
J & R Products, Inc. (www.jrproductsinc.com): An excellent source for air sealing products and
general weatherization products.
Local Building Material Store: Most stores carry some air sealing products.