The
Park District is making a concerted effort to be a leader in energy efficiency.
Over
the past few years energy audits were performed on four District facilities:
Centennial Ice Arena, Deer Creek Courts, West Ridge Center and the Recreation
Center of Highland Park. Audits were done through the Smart Energy Design
Assistance Center (SEDAC), a program of the University of Illinois School of
Architecture. Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity, the audits resulted in a variety of recommended energy cost
reduction measures.
T12
fluorescent light fixtures throughout the District have been retrofit with
electronic ballasts and T8 lamps that provide more light, but consume far less
electricity. Many parking lot and path lights have been replaced with LED
fixtures and indoor tennis and pool lighting systems have been converted to
high-efficiency. Proximity sensors have been added to vending machines, turning
the lights on only when a person is present. Similarly, occupancy sensors have
been installed in restrooms and other rooms not permanently occupied throughout
all facilities. High capacity pumps and chillers have been replaced at Hidden
Creek and Centennial. Currently energy efficient improvements are being made to
HVAC systems at West Ridge Center.
The
District has been diligent in acquiring rebates and grants, such as the
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program, to help
fund energy saving projects, in many cases reducing payback periods to less
than a year.
The
Park District staff Green Committee will continue to explore initiatives that
save energy, are good for the environment, and save money.
