The County of Ventura is on a continuing mission to reduce the amount of energy used and greenhouse gases released, in County operations. Since 2007, 22 energy projects have been completed in partnership with the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA). These projects include lighting retrofits, control systems, and heating and air conditioning systems efficiency modifications.
These projects have saved over 2,300,000 kWh per year, which translates to a reduction of over $309,000 in electric charges. With the help of VCREA, the County has received $316,198 in rebates, which have helped offset the initial project costs. Approximately 1,230 metric tons of CO2 have been prevented as a result of these projects.
General Service Agency and the IT Services Department co-sponsored a project to implement a Countywide computer management program that turns off computers when not in use. This system, called Surveyor by Verdiem, has saved approximately 2,119,000 kWh a year, saving $212,000 in electric charges and over 1,137 metric tons of CO2.
Greening the County’s vehicle fleet has also been a major energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategy. The County now owns over 120 hybrid-electric vehicles, as well as over 60 Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV), the cleanest burning gasoline powered vehicles available. For diesel vehicles, Fleet Services has shifted to the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and is ahead of schedule with the installation of Diesel Particulate Filters, as required by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a major solar Photo Voltaic project, which was recently approved by the Board of Supervisors. This project will be a power purchase agreement, in which the County will purchase the solar energy produced, from a company that will fund, install and maintain the system. This project is expected to produce approximately 716,000 kWh a year of clean power, and save over 6200 metric tons of CO2.
In summary, the County of Ventura continues to plan and budget for additional energy projects in the current and future years, to include alternate technology projects such as solar. Fleet services will continue to replace older, less efficient vehicles with newer, high efficiency models. Each project or initiative positively impacts the County of Ventura and its citizens by reducing our carbon footprint.
