Blacksburg commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the community
In 2003, the Town of Blacksburg became one of the first municipalities in the Commonwealth of Virginia to implement an Energy Performance Contract to install energy efficient equipment and systems in Town facilities. This effort included a comprehensive retrofit of all interior lighting systems, the installation of energy efficient HVAC systems and energy management systems, the installation of programmable thermostats, and the installation of LED lights in all traffic signals town wide.
In 2004, the Town of Blacksburg joined the U.S. Green Building Council to participate in their Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program and enhance the Town’s knowledge of green buildings. In 2005, the Director of Public Works became a LEED Accredited Professional. In 2006, the Parks & Recreation Department initiated a conceptual design for a proposed Nature Center as a potentially LEED Platinum rated building. In 2007, the Blacksburg Town Council approved a plan to renovate the Blacksburg Motor Company building in accordance with LEED green building rating system standards and this project is anticipated to be completed in early 2009.
In late 2006, the Town of Blacksburg signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the community. In 2007, energy use data was collected as part of a comprehensive community greenhouse gas inventory in support of a newly formed Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Protection & Sustainability. In 2008, workgroups will be focusing on identifying measures to further reduce energy use in Town government operations and within the community.
For more information, call the Town of Blacksburg’s Environmental Manager at (540) 558-0786 or email sgarrison@blacksburg.gov.
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