P-0095 - Energy Conservation Policy

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Measuring Success i We are looking for.• ^ Straight reduction in baseline energy use (lights, computers, etc.) ^ Reduction in HVAC related use after adjustment for Temperature and humidity variances Energy Use & Cost Report ^ First draft intended to present sample format to BOCC for feedback ^ Has been prepared to show use and cost information ^ Other info/more or less detail per BOCC wishes ^ Presents totals, by energy type, for all buildings combined and by individual buildings ^ Focus for comparison is on use per square foot, due to changes over time in unit costs for energy Wayne Fenton went over the Energy Use and Cost Report. Commissioner Halkiotis commended Elaine Holmes for talking like a facilities manager. He said that his opinion of the book is that this is something that the Energy Conservation Manager needs at all times. He said that it is only overkill for the County Commissioners. He would like to know generic information such as gasoline consumption and if it has gone up or down, etc. He does not need all of the details. Regarding the draft policy, he said that it is important that the Manager and at least one elected official be a part of the Energy Management Work Group. He said that some things are non-negotiable, such as computer equipment, which must be shut down. Commissioner Halkiotis said that they also need to encourage financial incentives. He said that overall this is a wonderful first stab and it is outstanding work. Commissioner Gordon asked about the task farce and its purview. Elaine Holmes said that the energy task group would have purview over all three policies - building energy conservation, vehicle fuel, and the upcoming water conservation policy. She said that the Energy Conservation Manager's focus would be on buildings. The task force would be oversight for all three policy areas. Chair Carey said that this is a tremendous amount of work and he does not need to see it every month, but once a year would be sufficient. He thinks that once they adopt the draft policy, they might consider asking outside agencies that they fund to adopt energy policies also. He recognizes that there is a big difference because the outside agencies do not own their own buildings and do not have control, but they need to think about the costs associated with operations. Commissioner Foushee said that she has heard from employees about what their workspaces will look and feel like. She wants to ensure that employees understand that these policies are not designed for their discomfort. She made reference to page 9 and said that there are provisions for situations where spaces are uncomfortable. The policy is more about conservation and safety and not about being insensitive to employees. Elaine Holmes said that they have emphasized this at the Employee Relations Consortium and will continue to emphasize this. Chair Jacobs made reference to the charts and suggested having space to write changes in the buildings. Chair Jacobs said that there needs to be a central phone number that members of the public or staff can call to report something. He said that one of the underlying