PDHP ENERGY EFFORTS

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.