Work starts on Fayetteville energy plan
by April 10, 2017 2:38 pm 340 views
Fayetteville is working to develop an Energy Action Plan to “encourage and foster continued improvements in the climate and energy sector,” according to a news release.
On Feb. 7, the process to create the plan began when the Fayetteville City Council voted 7-1 to study and develop it. The city council is expected to vote on the plan this fall.
To help create the plan, the city has “convened a group of local stakeholders to provide input and guidance,” according to the release. “The group includes utility company representatives, experts in renewable energy and energy efficient buildings, facilities managers, policy experts, citizens and elected officials.”
The plan aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, and its development “will be structured around climate and energy goals and objectives identified in the STAR Communities rating guide.” Fayetteville is one of more than 140 cities across the nation that have adopted the STAR system, which “begins with an overarching goal” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Fayetteville plans to address the following four objectives:
- Increase energy efficiency in new and existing structures
- Grow the city’s renewable energy supply
- Reduce the number of miles vehicles are driven per person
- Decrease amount of garbage sent to the landfill by increasing diversion and recycling
In a recent survey, 78% of Fayetteville residents “agreed or strongly agreed” the city should “prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy.” Also, 62% of respondents wanted the city to “prioritize climate-change preparedness.”