Green Initiatives on Tap for Jefferson

Jefferson Township is set to go greener, hopefully within the next budget year.

At a recent council meeting, business administrator James Leach presented the findings of an energy audit completed for the township by CHA. The auditors found several ways the township could save up to $22,700 per year, with the biggest potential savings realized from changing the lights in the municipal building.

CHA recommended changing the lighting throughout the building to lights with occupancy sensors. The lights would stay on while someone is in a room, and would go out after a period of time of no movement. They would go on again when motion was detected in the room.

New lighting could save the township about $12,100 per year.

“The lights in the municipal building are well beyond their life expectancy,” Leach said. “They would have to be replaced, but, as always, funding is a big issue.

“We’re looking at the state energy web site right now, to see what we may be able to get from the state in the form of grants,” Leach continued.

Leach is also looking into installing web-based thermostats that would save the township about $2,800 per year, and replacing pumps and motors at the sewer plants in town, which would save the town approximately $1,000 per year.

“We’re working on finding a way to get money in next year’s budget to complete some of these projects,” Leach said.