Categorized | Business, Energy

State reduces energy consumption by 5.8 percent

MEDIA RELEASE

During fiscal year 2009, total state agency electric consumption dropped 5.8 percent from 2008 and 2.5 percent from the baseline year of 2005, according to the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) annual “Lead By Example” report to the state Legislature.

The decline in the state’s energy consumption represents the largest single-year decrease since the “Lead By Example” initiative began in 2006, and the first time that overall consumption has been lower than the 2005 baseline levels.

The report outlines the progress made by state executive agencies in fiscal year 2008-2009 in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, green buildings and environmentally preferable purchasing.

“Improved energy efficiency and conservation at state facilities moves us closer to achieving Hawaii’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030,” Gov. Linda Lingle said. “All of our state departments and their employees, especially building design and maintenance staff, deserve credit for their efforts to reduce energy consumption and implement clean energy technologies.”

Despite the decrease in consumption, overall cost has steadily risen each year due to the escalating price of oil. Between 2008 and 2009, while electricity consumption decreased 5.8 percent, costs increased 1.2 percent.

The report also noted renewable energy development progressed in 2009.

The University of Hawaii – Hilo is in the process of installing more than 230 kW of photovoltaic (PV) solar capacity, including a 23 kW PV system over the Campus Center that will soon be built; a 30 kW PV system being planned for Portable Building 11; and an 88 kW PV system over the North Hawaii Education and Research Center currently in the bidding process.

The Department of Transportation–Airports installed photovoltaic systems with a combined capacity of 875 kW at the Lihue, Kona, Hilo and Kahului Airports as part of the department’s Photovoltaic Energy Systems Project. In addition, DOT installed a 16 kW small-wind system at Honolulu International Airport and photovoltaic systems at the Highways Division Baseyard in Lihue and the DOT Nawiliwili Harbor.

The state DOT announced March 9 that it is accepting bids for renewable energy generation systems at DOT, DBEDT and University of Hawaii facilities statewide. The proposals for renewable energy systems can include photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power and wind power.

The new renewable energy generation systems will reduce operating costs by obtaining a stable rate for electrical power that is independent of price fluctuations caused by changes in oil prices. This significant and long-term investment establishes Hawaii as a leader in the development of renewable energy sources and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

Last October, the state entered into a contract with Noresco, LLC, an energy services company to implement energy efficiency improvements to 10 state office buildings within the State Capitol District, including the State Capitol, that comprise more than 1.3 million square feet of building space.

The project is expected to save more than 6.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, reducing utility bills by 30 percent, which equals approximately $3.2 million per year in operational savings.

Other “Lead By Example” projects are detailed in the full report that can be seen at: http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/efficiency/state/lbe/stateemployees

The “Lead By Example” initiative began in 2006 in response to legislative and executive mandates to improve the way state executive branch agencies use energy in operations and facilities.

One Response to “State reduces energy consumption by 5.8 percent”

  1. HHO says:

    Gov Lingle speaking in Kona at a $45/person luncheon on 25 March. She rarely comes to BI and expects folks to pay to hear her.

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