| Local Policy Description: | Green Purchases
As a general rule, Tompkins County purchases vehicles and office equipment through the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). At the present time however, the County does not have a formal purchasing policy in place regarding the energy efficiency of office appliances such as computers, fax machines, and printers although they are available through the OGS. The Local Action Plan recommends that the County adopt an energy efficiency purchasing policy that requires all new office equipment to meet or exceed ENERGY STARŪ standards. This type of policy could reasonably cut emissions by at least 87 tons eCO2 by 2008. In addition to office equipment, other types of purchasing should be addressed in the countywide policy. For example, building renovation and new
construction projects should include energy efficiency measures in the project
specifications.
ENERGY STARŪ is one of the Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary climate change partnership programs helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The program provides easy-to-recognize ENERGY STARŪ labels for more than 35 product categories that enable businesses, organizations, and consumers to realize the cost savings and environmental benefits of energy efficiency investments through a straightforward market-based approach. The 2001 Annual Report issued by the EPA details the success of the ENERGY STARŪ program, and shows that partnerships continue to benefit the environment and consumers. The report estimates that through voluntary efforts such as ENERGY STARŪ, Americans have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 38 million metric tons of carbon equivalent - the same as taking more than 25 million cars off the nation's roads. Office equipment with ENERGY STARŪ ratings can increase energy savings by powering down and entering sleep mode when not in use for prolonged periods of time. A conventional desktop computer and monitor use an average of 506 kWh per year. An ENERGY STARŪ labeled computer, in sleep mode, uses 70% less electricity than computers without power management features. Monitors can use as much as 90% less electricity. Combined, an ENERGY STARŪ labeled computer and monitor would use an estimated 225 kWh per year, a reduction of 281 kWh per year. If the County phased out an estimated 600 old computers and replaced
them with ENERGY STARŪ rated models a savings of 168,600 kWh per year, or 87 tons eCO2, could be realized. Other office equipment could further reduce electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STARŪ labeled copy machines and fax machines use up to 40% less electricity while printers use up to 60% less. Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves energy but helps equipment run cooler and last longer. Additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance may also be realized as a result of less heat from lower powered office equipment.
|