The City of Rogers, a new member of the Metro CERT Affiliate Network, is making huge strides in energy efficiency. Since 2009, Rogers has worked with the Center for Energy and Environment and Xcel Energy to retrofit lighting in 8 of its 9 public buildings. Just in the past year, the city also converted 100% of its traffic lights and its municipal liquor store exterior lighting to LED technology.
In February, the city completed installation of a new building automation system at the Rogers Activity Center, which is expected to save $400,000 in energy costs over 20 years, and has already improved operational efficiencies for staff. Read more about the project here.
All of this work on energy efficiency has earned the city recognition from the GreenStep Cities program, which it joined in December of 2011. Just 6 months after joining, Rogers was recognized as a Step 2 GreenStep City. Since then, the city has published a comprehensive summary of costs and expected savings for completed GreenStep Cities projects.
In addition to this success, the city has some great projects lined up for the future. By March of 2013, Public Works Director John Seifert expects to complete a renovation of the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant that is expected to save $15,000 in energy costs per year.
The project, which was initially developed through a partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP), will use sensors to control the speed of motors throughout the system, helping the plant to use energy only as needed.
Beyond efficiency, City of Rogers staff have also been working with local solar manufacturers, installation contractors, and financing agencies to identify cost-effective potential projects throughout the city. We look forward to working with them as they continue to develop an energy efficient community!
For more information, please go to the Rogers Sustainability Website:http://cityofrogers.org/sustainability
