We provided these suggestions to the Madison County Fiscal Court, the Berea City Council, Richmond City Commission, and local school boards and planning commissions at their January 2007 meetings.
- setting an annual goal to lower electricity usage, then work to meet that goal. City departments, county agencies or school districts could promote efficiency in all of its buildings and offices, replacing traditional light bulbs with compact, fluorescent bulbs, using power switches for “energy vampires” like computers, televisions, and other office equipment which typically use a lot of electricity when on ‘standby’, and replacing aging appliances with more efficient Energy Star appliances. Choosing energy efficient appliances
- urging Berea and Richmond to join more than 200 cities across the nation, including Lexington and Louisville, in promoting efficiency by signing on to the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
- all agencies were urged to spread the word about federal tax credits for energy efficiency, among local residents, government agencies and businesses.
- expanding household and commercial recycling service – as recycling is another form of efficiency.
- promoting fuel efficiency and conservation by keeping city automobiles and trucks well-tuned, choosing fuel efficient vehicles when older vehicles need to be replaced.
- promoting non-motorized transportation options throughout the city such as biking and walking by developing safe sidewalks, greenways and bikeways.
