Energy Efficiency & Electrification

Page updated on October 25, 2022 at 1:22 PM

Energy not used is the cleanest and cheapest energy source. When we use less energy, fewer dollars must be spent to purchase energy and fewer power plants are needed to generate energy, which leads to reduced GHG emissions and improves air and water quality. From replacing old incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, sealing cracks in windows and door frames, installing a programmable thermostat, using a power strip for electronics, to shutting down electrical equipment when not in use, everyone has the ability to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint.

Energy efficiency is the concept of delivering the same or more services for less energy. The City is dedicated to providing more services to the community while using less energy

City Operations Energy Efficiency Initiatives

BETTER BUILDINGS CHALLENGE PARTNERSHIP

  • The City of Alexandria is a partner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge (BBC). The BBC is a national leadership initiative which aims to improve energy efficiency in buildings. By joining as a Partner, the City has made a public pledge to improve the energy intensity of its publicly-owned building portfolio by 25 percent over a fiscal year 2018 baseline by fiscal year 2027. This pledge is in alignment with the Environmental Action Plan 2040’s Energy Efficiency Target 2.2.4. To learn more and track the City’s progress towards meeting our goal, please refer to the City of Alexandria’s Better Buildings Challenge Partner page.

LED LIGHTING RETROFITS OF CITY FACILITIES

  • The City of Alexandria has been working on switching out old incandescent light bulbs and CFLs for new, longer lasting and energy efficient LEDs in City facilities. Teams have previously transitioned the Salt Barn and DASH headquarters. Other past retrofits include: Beatley Library, Duncan Library, Burke Library, Barret Library, Chinquapin Recreation Center, Ramsay House, Black History Museum, Lyceum, Public Safety Center, Alexandria Health Department parking lot, Market Square parking garage, Courthouse parking garage, Union Street parking garage, Thompsons Alley parking garage, Cora Kelly Recreation Center exterior lighting, Alexandria Community and Detox Center, Ramsey Recreation Center, Chinquapin Recreation Center, and 2900 Business Center Drive.

 

LED STREETLIGHT PROJECT

  • The City of Alexandria, working with Dominion Energy, is converting public streetlights in Alexandria from metal halide, high pressure sodium, mercury vapor, or incandescent light bulbs to low-power, long-life LEDs. More than 3,000 streetlights have been retrofit – nearly 30% of Alexandria’s streetlights with energy savings over 900,000 kWh (kilo-watt hours) annually. This project results in energy savings, reduce maintenance costs, and reducing the City’s GHG emissions. This effort aligns with the City's  Eco-City Alexandria and Vision Zero goals. 

 

LED TRAFFIC LIGHT PROJECT

  • In 2010, the City replaced all 2,500 incandescent traffic lights with energy efficient LED lights. This reduces energy consumption by 650,000 kWh and saves $70,000 in electricity costs annually. This project increases the efficiency of government with reduced maintenance time and costs, saves tax payers money, and helps ensure that the City remains a safe place to live, work, and play. 

 

HIGH-EFFICIENCY SYSTEM UPGRADES

  • The City has made multiple upgrades to essential building systems - HVAC, building management systems, hot water boilers, pumps, fans, and appliances - since 2009. Lee Center, Beatley Library, Courthouse, Barrett Library, Chinquapin Recreation Center, and Fire Station 201 receive high-efficiency boiler upgrades. Public Safety Center, Courthouse, Lee Center, Beatley Library, Chinquapin Recreation Center, and Fire Station 204 received high-efficiency HVAC system upgrades. Building Management System upgrades and controls optimization took place at Lee Center, Beatley Library, Public Safety Center, Barrett Library, Alexandria Health Department, and DASH Transportation Center.

Community Residential & Commercial Energy Efficiency

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY

There is a wealth of information available about energy efficiency incentives and programs that are being offered throughout the state, within the city, and from the federal government. Below are just a few resources that residents can take advantage of:

COMMERCIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY

There is a wealth of information available about energy efficiency incentives and programs that are being offered throughout the state, within the city, and from the federal government. Below are just a few resources that businesses can take advantage of:

Electrification & Energy Efficiency

Building electrification means replacing equipment and appliances that run on natural gas – such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves - with efficient, all-electric technologies such as heat pumps and induction cooktops. When run on renewable power, these electric technologies reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are cleaner, healthier, and more energy efficient than using natural gas.

The U.S. EPA states that combustion appliances in the home, such as natural gas stoves, can cause high levels of indoor air pollution, consisting primarily of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or un-vented gas space heaters, indoor levels of this pollutant can often exceed outdoor levels. Adverse health effects from low-level exposure include exacerbated asthma and increased risk of respiratory infections – especially in young children.

The need for electrification is also growing more urgent in order to mitigate climate change. Millions of homes across the country currently burn natural gas, oil, or propane on-site for space heating and cooking, generating 600 million tons of CO2 each year—a tenth of total US emissions. Electrifying your home or business will help future-proof these emissions through our decarbonizing grid: the Virginia Clean Economy Act was signed into law in 2020, requiring a transition to 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2045.

Electrification – What to Consider?

Making the switch from gas-powered to electric appliances doesn’t need to be daunting – learn more about the various technologies behind all-electric appliances and whether they might be a good fit for your home or business!

Deciding whether (or how) to electrify your home or business? Here are a few general tips and considerations to keep in mind:

  • When looking to replace an appliance, be sure to ask your contractor about all-electric options that are available and might make sense for your home or business.
  • Did you know that a vast majority of home heating/cooling system replacements happen due to breakdowns? Get ahead of the curve and look at replacement options if your system is aging. Gas furnaces typically need to be replaced after 15-20 years.
  • Verify that the capacity of your electrical system is equipped to meet the needs of electric appliances. For example – an electric dryer would require a 240-volt outlet in your laundry room.
  • Consider a Home Energy Assessment (HEA) and energy efficiency retrofits simultaneously with, or prior to, an electric transition. This will help offset increased electricity use and reduce costs. 

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Space heating from combustion furnaces is typically the largest category of natural gas use in a home or business. Modern electric Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are highly efficient machines that work well in both moderate and cold climates. They work by extracting heat from cold outside air and delivering it indoors in the winter or removing heat from your home or business and releasing it outdoors during the warm seasons. In this way the heat pump is bi-directional, able to provide heating or cooling depending on your need. Learn more about Air-Source Heat Pumps, including how they work and how to choose the right one for your home.

Ground-Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) operate on the same principles as ASHPs but take advantage of the relatively stable temperature of the ground below the earth’s surface. Because the ground temperature stays warmer than surface air temperature during the winter, and cooler during the summer, GSHPs can exchange heat with the earth. Learn more about Ground-Source Heat Pumps: how they work and how to choose the right one for your home.

Domestic Hot Water Systems (DHW)

Producing hot water - for sinks, showers, taps and more -  is typically the second largest category of natural gas usage in homes & businesses. Heat Pump Water Heaters use electricity to move heat from outside air (using an ASHP), transferring it to heat water in a storage tank – like a reverse refrigerator. Heat pump water heaters can be installed as stand-alone systems, or in combination water heating and space conditioning systems. They can be 2-3 times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. 

Learn more about heat pump water heaters and considerations for installing one in your home. 

Cooking Ranges

Gas-powered stoves are popular with many homeowners – however, the indoor air pollutants released when creating the flame can be detrimental to your health. Electric induction cooktops are a highly efficient, safe way to cook. They work by using magnetic coils underneath the surface of the cooktop to transfer heat directly to your pot or pan. Induction cooktops can heat water much quicker than a gas stove – one of their many perks!

Learn more about the experience of using an induction cooktop or range and considerations before buying.