Westchester Action Plan, 2008 - Westchester County Government
Westchester Action Plan, 2008 - Westchester County Government
Westchester Action Plan, 2008 - Westchester County Government
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Energy<br />
Direct Energy <strong>Action</strong>s<br />
Make behavioral changes in energy use such as: (short term)<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
Use energy management software, power strips or other methods to ensure<br />
electrical equipment including computers, copiers and printers are not drawing<br />
standby power when not in use.<br />
Manage/program thermostats so that heating and cooling demand is reduced.<br />
Use reduced lighting when daylight is sufficient.<br />
Shift electrical use to non-peak periods.<br />
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, LEDs, or solar powered lighting.<br />
(short term)<br />
Perform an energy audit on all county buildings: (short term)<br />
♦ Prioritize the recommended actions and set a timetable for implementation. (short<br />
term)<br />
♦ Set up an ongoing maintenance program to ensure that the efficiencies are<br />
maintained (medium term)<br />
Develop a green building program that incorporates LEED and other green building<br />
practices. (medium term)<br />
Install renewable energy such as solar and geothermal, where appropriate. (long term)<br />
Take advantage of existing financing opportunities. (medium term)<br />
Build Capacity for Energy <strong>Action</strong>s<br />
Extend a sales tax exemption to geothermal installations as soon as state law allows such<br />
an exemption. (medium term)<br />
Encourage the state government to: (short term)<br />
♦ Require energy efficiency and green building practices in building code.<br />
♦ Allow streamlining of safety and architectural review for onsite renewable energy<br />
installations in building code.<br />
♦ Require energy audits and disclosure of energy costs at time of building sale.<br />
♦ Allow commercial building with onsite renewable energy to return excess to grid for<br />
credit.<br />
♦ Create residential sales and use tax exemption for geothermal heating and cooling<br />
systems.<br />
<strong>Westchester</strong> <strong>Action</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, <strong>2008</strong> 9