Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Supervisors adopt county energy policy

Glenn County supervisors adopted an energy usage and sustainability policy for county departments last week that will curb their natural gas and electricity consumption.

Planning and Public Works Director John Linhart said the policy is the direct result of working groups studying the issue to find "common sense'' solutions.

Linhart said each department will be encouraged to follow the new measures, and it will be up to the department heads to enforce the policy.

"We don't want to force them on departments," he added.

The policy will be in effect for a year and then be reviewed by the board, Linhart said.

Some departments have already started using their own energy efficiency policies, he said.

A few of the mandates include setting thermostats no lower than 75 degrees for airconditioners and no higher than 68 degrees for heating.

Closing all exterior doors and windows to avoid energy loss, except when the climate allows, and to open or close window coverings to utilize or block the sun's rays.

Other options include only having lights on when necessary, shutting personal computers and monitors off at night, printing double-sided for all nonofficial documents and so on.

Supervisor Leigh McDaniel said the county is getting away from simply recycling to adding energy efficiency to its internal operations.

However, he wants to bring a broader policy back for the county as a region, McDaniel said.

The fact Glenn County is working with KVB, Inc. on its proposed waste conversion facility near Hamilton City and the board just approved a solar power generation facility near Thunderhill Raceway indicates it is heading in the right direction, he said.

A Green Policy Committee consisting of one Glenn County supervisor and representatives of all departments is to meet quarterly for the term the policy is in effect, county officials said.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.

Source: http://www.orland-press-register.com/news/county-8496-policy-energy.html

nba schedule nhl realignment nhl realignment kristin chenoweth country music awards new earth light year

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.