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26 Improve the energy efficiency of buildings through several action steps: 1) upgrade <br /> existing buildings, including County and school buildings; 2) educate planning and <br /> building inspection officials about the technologies and techniques of energy efficient <br /> construction; and 3) encourage the use of LEED "Gold" (or equivalent) as a standard <br /> in new construction. (See also Land Use Objective LU-2.7.) <br /> Status/Action: Ongoing <br /> Interdepartmental workgroup is focusing on improving energy efficiency in existing <br /> county building, through ARRA stimulus grants, and completed building energy <br /> assessments. Smaller scale projects include installing new storm windows on future <br /> park buildings, part of Twin Creeks (Cate farmstead) stabilization. <br /> Objective AE-12: <br /> Provide a system for builders, owners, lenders, appraisers, and buyers of buildings <br /> to assess the energy efficiency of structures. <br /> Status/Action: No Action <br /> Objective AE-13: <br /> Develop an inventory of funding opportunities, programs, credits, etc., that can be <br /> used to improve energy efficiency and to generate sustainable power. Identify ways <br /> for the County to facilitate the use of these options by County businesses, <br /> institutions, and residents. <br /> Status/Action: No Action <br /> Obiective AE-14: <br /> Develop an accounting of Orange County agricultural and animal-related resources <br /> in order to assess: 1) the potential for heat and power generation; 2) the potential for <br /> distribution; and 3) the potential customers that could purchase the power generated <br /> and ancillary products. <br /> Status/Action: No Action <br /> Objective AE-15: <br /> Foster participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for <br /> solar hot water/solar generation/solar tempering in residential or commercial <br /> construction. The County should develop programs that will link citizens and <br /> businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy sources. <br /> Status/Action: Ongoing <br /> County staff recently applied for ARRA renewable energy stimulus funding to install <br /> solar water heaters for County Jail and two existing school buildings joint <br /> application with Orange County schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City schools. <br /> Future opportunities will include other energy efficiency, renewable energy and <br /> revolving loan possibilities. <br /> Objective AE-16: <br /> Develop the use of alternative fuels and waste-derived fuels that will convert landfill, <br /> water treatment, agricultural, and wood wastes into heat and electricity. <br /> Status/Action: Ongoing <br /> County and UNC have partnered on Landfill Gas to energy project that will convert <br /> landfill methane to energy used for UNC facilities. <br /> 24 <br />