Rostraver library expects energy audit to pay off
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Electric bills at Rostraver Public Library will soon be lower, which is good news as winter nears.
Last July, thanks to a grant from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, an energy audit was performed on the building by Envinity.
Under a second grant through WPPSEF, work to reduce the facility’s energy use will be completed.
Director Naomi Cross said it will allow the library to become more responsible with its resources.
During the energy audit, workers from Envinity analyzed everything from utility bills to the number and type of light bulbs on the property.
They also reviewed HVAC settings and equipment and building conditions — even tracking how and when the sun comes in the windows and considering the library’s operating hours.
When the audit was complete, Envinity presented the library board with recommendations for conservation measures that will help the library become more energy efficient.
LED Lighting of Jefferson Hills will upgrade all lighting at the library and Envinity will retro commission the existing HVAC system. Return duct work and Low-E window film will be installed.
Cross estimates the four projects will save the library at least $6,000 each year.
“We are extremely grateful for the continued support of WPPSEF in our endeavor to become more responsible with our resources,” Cross said. “This pursuance of the recommendations gleaned from our energy audit will continue a great opportunity to provide valuable information to our community while providing us with more efficient and effective operations.”
Joel Morrison, WPPSEF Fund Administrator, said there will be numerous benefits from the effort.
“We know how important this project is to the community,” Morrison said. “Our initial funding of the diagnostic energy audit provided the library with a comprehensive plan to better understand their energy use within their facility and to prioritize actions to reduce their operating cost.
“The money saved from energy efficiency improvements will allow the library to increase services and continue to be the hub of the community, connecting people to information and connecting people to people.”
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