Baltimore City Targets Energy Use Reductions Across Its Portfolio See how smart sustainability planning and incentive use helped save almost $1 million annually. Image
Savings at a GlanceBy participating in the BGE Energy Solutions for Business and Small Business Energy Solutions programs, Baltimore City took advantage of financial incentives to make energy efficiency upgrades in more than 125 facilities across the city. 128 projects completed 9,868,859 kWh/year in energy savings $986,885/year in cost savings $2,501,678 in incentives paidThe City of Baltimore is home to more than 622,000 people. As Maryland’s largest city, it is responsible for the energy costs at more than 1,100 facilities, ranging from the typical—city hall, courthouse, schools, firehouses, libraries and recreation centers— to the less so, such as substations, museums, parking garages, a convention center and even a zoo! The enormous task of evaluating the efficiency of the lights, heating and cooling in city buildings and much more falls to the employees of the Department of Public Works’ Office of Sustainable Energy (OSE). Since its 2006 inception, the OSE has aggressively sought to improve energy efficiency across its portfolio of facilities and equipment, holding the belief that the best way to save energy is not to use it.An early adopter, Baltimore was one of the first city governments in Maryland to participate in the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®. Baltimore City teamed up with BGE to take advantage of technical assistance and financial incentives to help pay for energy efficiency upgrades in many of its facilities. To date, the city has received more than $2.5 million in incentives that helped offset the cost of energy efficiency projects across the city.Read the story We all have to make do with tight dollars. These programs make sense. They help you spend money on your mission and programming, rather than electricity. Image Mark Benson, Energy Projects Manager, Baltimore City Office of Sustainable Energy In addition to saving energy, the new overhead lighting in this library creates an inviting environment to inspire young readers to crack open a book. Overhauling the lighting in this briefing room at the police station resulted in more consistent illumination throughout the space. Skaters and spectators alike will find it easier to keep an eye on the puck thanks to lighting upgrades at this city-run ice rink. New lighting in this exhibition hall is one of the energy-saving improvements at the Baltimore Convention Center. High-efficiency fixtures in the lobby of the Abel Wolman Municipal Building provide optimal lighting levels, while accentuating the historic facility’s architectural features. Energy efficiency upgrades in the Abel Wolman Municipal Building helped make it a model for green offices in the city. PreviousNext