City of Rochester – Alison Anderson – 2016

Goals 

Having recently set a goal to power the city with 100% renewable energy, The City of Rochester enlisted EDF Climate Corps fellow Ali Anderson to identify gaps and opportunities within the City’s current energy management practices. Ali was tasked with analyzing its municipal buildings and street lighting portfolio in addition to past energy efficiency projects.

Solutions

Ali analyzed utility and benchmarking data, conducted interviews with various facility managers and prepared initial energy audits for the city. Having a better landscape understanding of the city’s energy use, she identified two major energy efficiency projects to significantly reduce costs: a robust measurement and verification process to track project success and funding opportunities ranging from grants and rebates to a Green Revolving Fund. After completing her analysis of internal city operations, Ali conducted additional research and interviews with local Sustainability Coordinators to develop a recommended reporting structure and job description for a full-time Sustainability Coordinator position. She made a compelling financial and environmental case for the position, highlighting its alignment with the City’s newly established Energy Action Plan, renewable energy goals and growth trajectory.

Potential Impact

The LED street light conversion and retro-commissioning of two identified city buildings could save an estimated $420,000, 2.38 million kWh and 2,611 MBtus per year. The Rochester City Council and Rochester Energy Commission enthusiastically welcomed the proposal to hire a full-time Sustainability Coordinator in charge of managing and implementing sustainability goals and projects for the City.