City says it could save over $54,000 a year

An overhaul of eight publicly owned buildings in Mauldin has put a target on energy consumption in an effort to help protect the environment and save taxpayer money.

The plan calls for a variety of upgrades, including new lights, spray foam insulation and energy-efficient windows, according to a copy of the loan application to the state Energy Office’s ConserFund.

City Council has given the thumbs-up to taking out a $316,365 loan with a 2 percent interest rate. The city expects to save $54,022 a year and pay back the loan in less than six years, according to the application.

“The interest is, of course, the benefit to the environment — but also the cost-savings to the taxpayers,” City Administrator Trey Eubanks said.

The first step could begin in weeks when Solar Energy USA replaces T12 tubes with more-efficient T5 lights, he said.

U.S. Department of Energy regulations that went into effect this month outlawed the manufacture of T12 tubes, which are fluorescent lights commonly found in offices across the country.

The T5 lights burn 25 percent cooler and provide better light, said Brian Lawrence, head of sales and business development for Solar Energy USA’s commercial lighting division.

Plans also call for 273 traditional light switches to be replaced with occupancy sensors, according to the application.

Lighting typically represents 40 to 60 percent of total power consumption, and new technology can cut consumption in half or more, Lawrence said.

T5 lighting upgrades were forecast in the loan application to cost $56,386 and account for $51,435 in annual savings.

Putting spray foam insulation into the Cultural Center and Miller Road fire station was expected to cost $63,000 and save $2,169 a year, according to the application.

(taken from GreenvilleOnline.com)