Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.11 Implement energy efficiency measures in city facilities and operations (CNRE)
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
Reducing energy usage in City facilities is a key pillar of the City’s Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan. This plan commits the City to achieving 50% carbon neutrality by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The City is engaged in a number of activities to promote energy efficiency, including retrofitting lighting in City buildings to LEDs, upgrading controls, equipment, and operations at City facilities, and expanding building energy management systems.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Energy use intensity (EUI) is an indicator of the energy efficiency of a building. It is calculated by dividing the total annual energy use (electric and natural gas) for all City buildings in kBTUs by the total square feet of all City buildings.
Energy use intensity has been decreasing in City buildings in the past few years. This decrease is attributed to energy efficiency improvements, including HVAC upgrades, building HVAC control system optimization in City facilities, and LED lighting retrofit projects. This trend should continue in the future as more initiatives are implemented.
City Buildings' Energy Usage
Why is it important?
Energy efficiency measures in city facilities and operations generates cost savings by reducing the City's overall energy use and utility bills. The City can then use those funds for other essential services. Energy efficiency measures will also allow the City to reduce its carbon footprint.
What have we been doing?
- Started work on energy efficiency and HVAC upgrades at City Hall and City Hall Annex. So far, this project has reduced energy consumption in these buildings by 13%.
- Reduced energy use intensity by 9.5% year over year (YTD through April).
- Completed Level 1 & 2 energy audits on 18 City facilities.
- Installed interior LED lighting retrofits in 4 facilities.
- Updated the City’s High Performance Building Policy.
- Introduced Monthly Energy Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to track progress.
- Upgraded over 200 LED pole lights at 23 sites in partnership with Duke Energy.
- Implemented controls updates at Police Headquarters, reducing energy intensity by over 10%.
What's next?
- The FY 2025 budget includes funding for more energy efficiency projects and the next set of building energy audits.
- Complete Duke Energy pole light upgrades at 30 additional sites
- Publish the City’s first Greenprint: Building a Greener City Building Benchmarking Report
- Execute FY25 Energy Efficiency CIP Projects, including additional energy audits and interior LED lighting retrofits
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division