Energy Management

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of current and future generations to meet their own needs. In 2020, the County developed design-build construction standards to integrate sustainability while carefully addressing feasibility. Specific requirements include:

• Lighting and electrical
• Water conservation
• Data center efficiencies
• HVAC systems
• Renewable energy
• Low-emitting materials
• Building envelope

County Buildings

Together with Baltimore County's Property Management Division, we provide guidance and technical expertise to reduce energy consumption in County buildings. Together, we have long- and short-term goals to reduce utility costs and minimize our environmental impact. We focus on:

• Energy efficiency
• Energy conservation
• Green design
• LEED certification

Recent Projects include: 

• Energy Efficient Measures—Between FY15 through FY25, the County reduced millions of kilowatts of energy consumption, received cost savings, and attained BGE incentives.
• Streetlights—The County and BGE worked together to convert our respective streetlights to LED by FY24.
• Lighting Projects—The County recently completed LED lighting retrofits in 15 facilities. The 504,000 kWh in energy savings paid for the projects in 1.91 years. The projects are generating $65,500 in estimated annual cost savings over 10 years.
• Demand Response—The County is enrolled in two energy consumption reduction programs, the Demand Smart Program (for Red Day Alerts) and the Demand Response Program, which are designed to reduce pressure on the electricity grid. In return, the County avoids peak energy charges and receives compensation.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)—Former County Executive Johnny Olszewski's LEED Executive Order requires all newly-constructed County facilities or major renovations to be completed to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or higher.

LEED CERTIFIED COUNTY BUILDINGS

LEED is a building design system that improved environmental performance, often reducing operating costs:

WHY ENERGY EFFICIENCY and conservation

Energy efficiency and conservation programs, passive building design features, LEED, and more are key to:

• Reducing demand and increasing the feasibility of providing energy entirely through renewable and sustainable resources
• Rewarding energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy in the design, construction, and improvement of buildings and homes
• Promote environmental stewardship to match housing and population growth

COOPERATIVE ENERGY PURCHASING

The County is an active participant with the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC). The BRCPC gathers large, local energy purchasers together to negotiate lower energy prices. By working together, we successfully save tax payer money on electricity and gas procurement. 

BRCPC has utilized the aggregate portfolio approach to manage risk and secure competitive market prices. BRCPC, through the guidance of an energy consultant, uses the State license and PJM membership of a transactional contractor to make wholesale market purchases on the grid. 

MARYLAND SMART ENERGY COMMUNITIES (MSEC)

In FY20, the County was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to participate in the Maryland Smart Energy Communities (MSEC) program, which encourages local governments to adopt smart energy policies and goals. The funding was used for an energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and LED lighting for the Reisterstown Library renovation.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE GREEN AT WORK ENERGY CHALLENGE

The annual Sustainability Challenge awards points and recognition to County employees who conserve energy, reduce waste and practice sustainability in their workplaces and homes.