Knox County anticipates savings of nearly $1.5 million in utility costs in 2009 as a result of energy audits that are being conducted in all county buildings, including Knox County schools. In November, the Knox County School system authorized the County’s energy services company, Trane, to begin another round of what are proving to be very cost-effective energy audits. These savings pay for- and are the direct result of the improvements the County is making at the facilities. According to Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, “It is a win-win for the County and many of our local work-force. We are creating 'green jobs' and there is little-to-no risk to the County.
The energy audits were initiated in December 2006 with a group of the 10 Knox County schools that were the biggest energy consumers. The County Government and School System worked together with Trane to identify energy-savings opportunities and strategies. Ultimately, a $10.2 M infrastructure-improvement scope was developed and is expected to save the schools more than $16 M over a 15-year term. An added benefit is that the project is 100% funded by the utility savings, which is guaranteed by Trane.
With the level of savings being realized in 10 schools, at the November 3rd School Board meeting, Trane was directed to begin energy audits on the next group of high energy users in the school system.
The County retained Trane to find energy efficiencies beyond County schools. In July 2008, Trane was authorized to proceed with energy audits on all county facilities, including an Investment Grade Energy Audit on Knox County Sheriff’s Facilities and energy audits on all other County facilities (libraries, senior centers, parks, administration buildings, etc.).
In January 2009, Trane will report the results of its audits for all County and sheriff’s facilities, which will include both facilities and services (traffic lights, park lights, fleet maintenance, water, gas, electric, etc.).
Mayor Ragsdale added, “Given the state of our economy and the ever-rising costs of energy and utilities, using energy and utility savings to offset the cost of facility improvements and large maintenance expenditures just makes sense.”
Trane’s contract calls for the company to develop and implement facility improvement projects that are 100% self funding through energy/utility savings and to guarantee the results. Each year, reconciliation is performed. If there is a shortfall of savings, Trane has to write the County a check.
