26 IFD Stations to be Fueled by Energy-Efficient and Cost-Saving “Green” Upgrades

The City of Indianapolis today announced that it expects to complete by year’s end implementation of energy efficiency measures at 26 fire stations through a performance contract with Energy Systems Group, headquartered in Newburgh, Ind.

“This project supports my priority to make Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “This grant allows us to explore energy efficiency options for more than two dozen facilities. We want to provide the best infrastructure for the men and women who selflessly risk their lives for Indianapolis residents every day while being good stewards of the taxpayer’s dollar.”

This energy-efficiency initiative is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy. The City’s Office of Sustainability received more than $8 million through this grant late last year and is spending it on several energy-efficiency and conservation projects. The City is using $1.4 million of the EECBG allocation to fund the fire station retrofits.

Energy and water conservation measures being implemented through the project include the following:

· Replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems with 95 percent efficient furnaces and 13 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) condensing units

· Replacing standard water heaters with high efficiency tankless water heaters at six stations

· Installing seven-day programmable thermostats to ensure consistent temperature in buildings

· Replacing old unit heaters with new high efficiency unit heaters, which utilize radiant tube heaters

· Interlocking apparatus bay heaters with the overhead doors to prevent heating ambient air when the firefighters are out on duty

· Installing weather-stripping and replacing doors for greater insulation

· Installing high efficiency lighting

· Installing water-saving toilets, faucets and showerheads

The energy conservation measures begun in June 2010 will save the city $142,000 per year in utility costs. To learn more about Mayor Ballard’s vision of making Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest, visit www.sustainindy.org.