Municipal Greenhouse Gas and Energy Use Baseline
Report for Danville, NH
This report is a summary of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use for the town of Danville, NH for the year 2008. The focus of this report is the municipal operations of the town, with special emphasis on town-owned buildings. It does not encompass residential, commercial, or industrial energy use. The following analysis of municipal energy use is based on data gathered from the municipality’s utility bills for building electricity, building heating fuel, streetlight electricity, and municipal fleet vehicle fuel. Supporting data was also collected including building dimensions, hours of operation, number of streetlights, and vehicle types. The data was then analyzed using two software tools, Portfolio Manager software provided online by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Small Town Carbon Calculator (STOCC) software developed by the University of New Hampshire and Clean Air-Cool Planet.[1] The STOCC software provides comparative information between the various sectors of municipal energy use (buildings, vehicles, and streetlights) while the Portfolio Manager software provides in-depth analysis of energy performance in individual buildings. The energy use per square foot is presented for each building, and Portfolio Manager allows for comparison of this metric to buildings of similar types across the US and in New Hampshire specifically.
This report was made possible by the Municipal Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), a collaborative project of Clean Air-Cool Planet, Jeffrey H. Taylor and Associates, the SDES Group, the Sustainable Energy Resource Group, Vital Communities, and Carbon Solutions New England and funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The community applied for support from the MEAP program and was selected to receive this baseline energy inventory. Community officials, employees, and volunteers then assisted the MEAP Energy Project Assistant, who collected and analyzed the data in this report.
Municipal Collaborator(s): O’Neil (Board of Selectmen, Chairman), Patty Shogren (Selectmen’s Clerk), Leon Buzzell (Facility Manager).
This report was prepared by Tim McDonald.
Forward
The town of Danville has been exceptionally accommodating in the preparation and completion of this report. Shawn O’Neil, Board of Selectmen Chairman, Patty Shogren, Selectmen’s Clerk, and Leon Buzzell, Facility Manager were all especially supportive.
It was apparent Danville was energy conscious before the work to establish a baseline began last fall. Several improvements had been completed to town buildings. The town eliminated a furnace in the safety complex and installed two new furnaces. Additionally a waste oil furnace was installed to support the police and fire departments (safety complex). Most of the lighting had been upgraded to fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs. Two new furnaces and two new air conditioners were installed in town hall. Most lighting had been upgraded. The second level windows were earmarked for replacement to fortify the building shell. A new furnace was installed in the town garage and the library was benefitting from three energy efficient furnaces, three energy efficient air conditioners, and energy efficient lighting.
Given the town’s interest and recent progress in energy conservation and environmental awareness it is with hope this report will be used to further improve energy use and enhance life and well being for the residents of Danville.
Municipal Overview
Town population: 4,341[2].
Area of municipality: 11.6 sq. mi.
Population density: 372.9 persons per squ. mi. of land.
Number of municipal buildings: 5.
Total area of municipal building space: 16,856 sq. ft.
Average site energy intensity of all municipal buildings: 59.8 kBtu/sq. ft.
Number of street lights: 29.
Number of vehicles in fleet: 10.
Number of municipal employees: 88.
Municipal budget in baseline year: $2,428,144.
Total cost of municipal energy use in baseline year: $54,536.
Total municipal energy use in baseline year: 1,826.5 MMBtu.
Total municipal CO2 emissions in baseline year: 172 tons.
Samuel and Peter Sargent Cooperage Shop (Beach Plain Rd.)
Community Profile
Danville, NH was chartered in 1760 as Hawke and renamed and incorporated as Danville in 1836. In the year 1790 the first census counted 420 residents. In 2008 Danville ranked 87th among New Hampshire incorporated cities and towns with a population of 4,341 residents. The town of Danville is managed by a town meeting type of government. Five selectmen are elected each to a three year term and are responsible for managing the affairs of the town in accordance with the policies and laws set forth by the voters of the town and by state law. Danville consists of 11.6 square miles of land area and 0.2 square miles of inland water area. In 2008 there were 372.9 persons per square mile of land area. Danville is part of Rockingham county, the most south-eastern region of New Hampshire. Rockingham county borders Massachusetts to the south and Maine to the east.
Municipal Sector Analysis
For each participating municipality, data was gathered on the operations of several sectors under the jurisdiction of the municipal government: the buildings, vehicle fleet, and street lights. Different types of energy use were considered depending on the sectors, such as electricity use, heating fuel use, and fuel for vehicles. Where records were available, the costs of purchasing these energy sources were factored in to the analysis. The STOCC software was used for the analysis of the aggregate data on all municipal sectors.
Table 1. Energy use, carbon emissions, and costs, by municipal sector
|
|
Buildings |
Vehicles |
Streetlights |
|
|||
|
|
# |
% of total |
# |
% of total |
# |
% of total |
Grand Total |
|
Cost
|
$33,009 |
61% |
$16,317 |
30% |
$5,210 |
10% |
$54,536 |
|
CO2 (lbs)
|
217,668 |
63% |
101,987 |
30% |
25,083 |
7% |
344,737 |
|
Energy (million BTUs) |
1,079 |
59% |
653 |
36% |
95 |
5% |
1,827 |
Generated by STOCC Software
Table 1 above shows the cost to heat and provide electric power to buildings cost Danville residents the most. Buildings also emitted the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and consumed the most energy over the measured year 2008. Vehicles account for about 30% of total cost, CO2 emissions, and energy use.
Danville town hall, 210 Main St. Danville police Ford Crown Vic
Snapshot of Municipal Energy Use, Emissions, and Costs by Sector
Graph 1a. Municipal Energy Use (MMBtu)
Graph 1b. Municipal Carbon Equivalent Emissions (tons)
Graph 1c. Energy Costs by Municipal Sector ($)
The three pie charts above more easily interpret the data in table 1 on page 3. Graph 1a. shows municipal buildings use the most energy compared to town vehicles or streetlights. The order among sectors remains the same as reflected in Graph 1b. and 1c. It is logical that the sector using the most energy also emits the most CO2 and costs the most. Because heating oil produces greater amounts of CO2 per Btu than electricity or vehicle fuel municipal buildings increased to 63% of total carbon emissions. Graph 1c. shows electricity was more expensive per Btu than other types of energy. Streetlights were 10% of the total cost of energy to the town but 5% of total energy use.
Gasoline and diesel tanks, 210 Main St., rear of town hall Danville town garage, 67 Hersey Rd., diesel tank
Building Performance: Energy Use and Energy Intensity
|
Name of Building |
Heating Fuel Type(s) |
Area (Sq. Ft.) |
Energy Use: Electricity (million Btu) |
Energy Use: Heating Fuel (million Btu) |
Total Building Energy Use (million Btu) |
Site energy intensity (kBtu/sq ft)[3] |
EPA Average Site kBtu/sq ft for building type |
NH Average Site kBtu/sq ft for building type |
|
Town Hall |
electricity, oil, propane |
5,757 |
143.8 |
193.7 |
337.46 |
58.6 |
59.6 |
69.9 |
|
Safety Complex |
electricity, oil, propane |
4,576 |
143.8 |
247.5 |
391.29 |
85.5 |
78 |
65.5 |
|
Colby Library |
electricity, oil |
4,291 |
98.1 |
93.9 |
192.1 |
44.7 |
104 |
78.2 |
|
Town Garage |
electricity, propane |
1,800 |
62.1 |
67.1 |
129.2 |
72.9 |
77 |
85.1 |
|
Fire Station |
electricity, propane |
432 |
.33 |
28.4 |
28.8 |
37.2 |
78 |
65.5 |
|
Average |
|
3,371 |
89.6 |
126.1 |
215.8 |
|
||
Table 2. Energy Use and Intensity, by municipal building
Energy use data generated by STOCC software; energy intensity data generated by Portfolio Manager software.
Snapshot of Energy Use by Building
Graph 2a. Energy Use for Electricity, Energy Use for Heating, and Total Energy Use in Municipal Buildings
Graph 2a. shows the safety complex used the most total energy and the most heating fuel even before considering the waste oil furnace. The Colby library was very energy efficient relative to the safety complex and town hall, all of comparable size. Efficiency improvements to the library including lighting, heating, and cooling seem evident.
Graph 2b. Site Energy Intensity and Average Site Energy Intensity for Type of Building (kBtu/sq.ft.)
Energy intensity is the most powerful tool available for measuring the relative energy efficiency of particular buildings. Site energy intensity is calculated by taking the amount of energy used in the building (a total aggregate of heating fuel and electricity) and dividing it by the square feet of space. It can be reduced through behavioral and energy conservation measures. The best opportunities for saving energy on site would involve behavioral changes (such as keeping lights and computers turned off; turning down thermostats) and energy conserving technologies (such as motion sensor lighting).
Information about the source energy intensity of these buildings is available on your EPA Portfolio Manager account. Source energy is the energy used to produce the energy used in each building. Your municipality may consider reducing source energy intensity as a long-term goal. This can be accomplished through projects such as installing solar panels or a municipal combined heat and power plant.
Graph 2b. casts Danville in positive light. Only the safety complex ranks higher than the state and national averages for “fire stations”. Town hall uses about 11,000 Btus per square foot less than the average New Hampshire town hall. The Colby library is almost twice as energy efficient as the EPA national and New Hampshire averages. The town garage is nearly at par within the building category. Despite the respectable showing the garage may be a less obvious opportunity for energy savings. The Beach Plain Rd. fire station score is somewhat misleading. The building category “garages” could better frame the actual use of the building.
Danville safety
complex, 206 Main St.
Danville town garage, 67 Hersey Rd.
|
Name of Building |
Area (Sq. Ft.) |
Energy Cost ($) |
Energy Cost per Square Foot |
Energy Emissions (tons of CO2) |
Energy Emissions per Square Foot |
|
Town Hall |
5,757 |
$10,198 |
$1.77 |
34 |
12 lbs |
|
Safety Complex |
4,576 |
$10,701 |
$2.34 |
39 |
17 lbs |
|
Colby Library |
4,291 |
$6,978 |
$1.63 |
21 |
10 lbs |
|
Town Garage |
1,800 |
$4,373 |
$2.43 |
13 |
14 lbs |
|
Fire Station |
432 |
$758 |
$0.93 |
2 |
9 lbs |
|
Average |
3,371 |
$6,602 |
$1.82 |
22 |
12 lbs |
Building Performance: Cost and Emissions
Table 3. Energy Cost and Emissions, by municipal building
Emissions data generated by STOCC software
Table 3 reflects energy use by cost and carbon dioxide emissions. Both measurements are somewhat less telling about energy use compared to site energy intensity but do offer some additional insight. The library is 25% smaller than the town hall but costs 32% less for energy. The library is 6% smaller than the safety complex but costs 35% less for energy. Fuel oil emits the greatest level of carbon dioxide per Btu compared to propane and electricity. The safety complex released 39 tons of CO2 over 2008, more than any other town building, because it used 97% more measured fuel oil than the average heating fuel use for all town buildings. The fuel oil burned by the safety complex waste oil furnace hasn’t been measured but significantly adds to CO2 emissions.
Analysis: Priorities and Custom Recommendations
1. Adopt the use of EPA Portfolio Manager to analyze and control annual energy use (www.energystar.gov, username: townofdanville, password: danville). In the near term enter 2009 electric, propane, and fuel oil data and compare to the data of 2008.
2. Install an electric meter to monitor energy use by town hall and separate from the safety complex. Currently the meter mounted to the safety complex measures 206, 208, and 210 Main St.
Danville safety complex, 206 Main St., town hall side view
3. The safety complex has the highest energy intensity index among buildings despite relatively new mechanical systems. Analyze occupant behavior and work routines for conservation opportunities. Examine the building shell for inefficiencies. For example the building may be poorly insulated or the over head garage doors may operate in a manner as to release an undue amount of conditioned air.
Danville safety complex, 206 Main St., rear view
4. The town hall building shell needs improvement. New and efficient mechanical systems are being overshadowed by an inadequate heating envelope. Inefficient second level windows have already been identified by the town facilities manager. Additionally the basement should be inspected. The temperature is warm for unoccupied space indicating an HVAC design issue.
Danville town hall, 210 Main St., rear view
5. Weigh the need to continue operating the Beach Plain Rd. fire station. The town could save near $758. annually.
Danville fire station #2, 43 Beach Plain Rd., rear view
6. Measure and record the amount of waste oil being used by the safety complex furnace. Although the heating oil is “free” it is still producing significant levels of carbon dioxide. Also fuel consumption is an important operational efficiency measure.
7. Police department vehicles used the most amount of fuel. The Dodge Charger used 2,353 gallons, the 2005 Ford Crown Vic. used 1,171 gallons, and the 2003 Ford Crown Vic used 684 gallons. The Charger travels 13 city miles per gallon of fuel and costs $2,821 annually to operate*. Both Crown Victorians travel 14 miles per gallon of fuel and cost $2,419 annually to operate. Consider purchasing a fuel- efficient, low-emissions police vehicle as the fleet is refreshed or expanded. The Ford Police Interceptor is 25% more fuel efficient than traditional Crown Victorians and can potentially run on efficient fuel sources such as ethanol.
*www.fueleconomy/gov, based on 15,000 miles, $2.82 per gallon.
8. Carefully monitor streetlight operations. Convert light bulbs to energy efficient CFL or LED bulbs. Program lamps to illuminate only as needed. Although the annual cost of streetlights was $5,210 over 2008 there is an opportunity for cost savings. Electricity is the most expensive fuel on a cost per Btu basis.
Historical Society of Danville, Beach Plain Rd. Danville town garage, 67 Hersey Rd.
Analysis: General Recommendations for Municipal Energy Savings
1. Review existing Master Plan, Zoning Ordinances, and other town policies for inconsistencies with the goal to reduce energy usage.
2. Implement a behavioral change program in municipal buildings with municipal employees. Work with LEC Working Group for guidance to implement this initiative.
3. Implement buying strategy of Energy Star equipment and Products and environmentally sensitive office products, and implement awareness campaigns to encourage “thoughtful” consumption of equipment and products.
4. Evaluate ways to reduce fuel usage with vehicle fleet. This can be done by analyzing routes, usage, and a strict anti-idling policy.
5. Find alternative energy sources to reduce escalating fossil fuel prices and emissions. Investigate payback for possibly installing: a small CHP unit, biomass heating system or geothermal heat pump.
6. Encourage recycling and composting to the extent possible, in order to divert the amount of municipal solid waste (organic matter) going to landfill.
Next Steps
Once this draft inventory is finalized, the MEAP project team will work with your town to identify a low-performing building and to carry out an energy audit for that building. The selected building will receive a Decision Grade or Investment Grade energy audit. The audit will culminate in a set of recommendations for building retrofits and renovations that would allow the town to reduce its building’s energy use.
Once the audit report is complete, the MEAP project team will provide on-going support to your town as your municipality begins the process of identifying priority renovations/retrofits, creating RFPs, hiring contractors and realizing potential reductions. All phases of this project will be accompanied by a program of public engagement and education.
Methods
Greenhouse gas inventory approach
Data collection for this inventory involved collaborative efforts between the Clean Air-Cool Planet staff, which organized the data collection process over all, and the local town representative volunteers. With personal connections to their home towns, volunteers were better able to ascertain where to access certain data and to spend time at local offices sorting through bills and records. To collect the data in each town, data sheets were developed based on the software/program that was used for data processing. We used 2008 as a baseline year to collect the fuel and energy consumption information. Data sheets were sent to the town representative, who then collected and/or accessed the data. Follow-ups were done on a regular basis to make sure that the inventory progressed, the data collection process was effective, and the data needed was more or less accurately collected.
Data processing and data analysis
To process the data collected, we used two types of fuel and energy assessment software. The first was the Small Town Carbon Calculator (STOCC) software used to quantify and estimate the amount of energy used and the greenhouse gases (GHG) generated from the energy usage. The STOCC software allowed us to make a municipal energy assessment by municipal sector. The second was the EPA Portfolio Manager Benchmarking Program, used to assess the energy consumption and GHG generated in specific buildings, based on square footage.
List of Acronyms
CA-CP Clean Air-Cool Planet
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GHG Greenhouse Gas
kBtu Kilo British Thermal Units
MMBtu Million British Thermal Units
STOCC Small Town Carbon Calculator