OUR COUNTY

D. Gary Davis

County Mayor

Pledge to Make a Difference, One Light at a Time

This year, I am volunteering to help preserve our country's energy resources and help reduce the risks of global climate change by encouraging Bradley County citizens to change at least one light at home to one that has earned the government's ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency.

Bradley County is doing this as part of the National ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign, a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and organizations across the country to encourage individuals to actively help save energy at home, starting by switching to energy-efficient lighting.

We have set a goal to encourage 880 people to take the online ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge by November 30th. Just think, by reaching this goal we will be making a significant impact on our environment, saving 250,980 kWh of electricity, the environmental equivalent of removing 6 cars from the road while also reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions going into the air by 396,050 pounds.

To give you a sense of how the energy and environmental savings can add up, individuals who pledged to change a light in 2005 alone have the potential to save more than $2 million in energy costs and prevent more than 33 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions!

Because lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of the average home's electric bill, changing to more efficient options not only makes a dent in the amount of fossil fuels our local power plant must burn to generate electricity, but also helps reduce our electric bills at home. Over the life of a single compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), you can save an average of $30 or more in electricity costs while preventing more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. And, every CFL uses at least 2/3 less energy than a standard incandescent and lasts as much as 10 times longer.

An energy audit of the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex revealed several recommendations that Bradley County could take to make these building more energy efficient. Among the suggestions were basic energy control systems for the HVAC systems in both buildings. The recommendations at the Courthouse will be paid for in less than two years at the Courthouse and 4 years at the annex with the energy savings. The upgrades will be financed with a zero percent interest loan through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Tomorrow, October 4th will mark the second annual ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day, and hundreds of organizations will announce their pledge progress at that time. Please join me now in taking the pledge. It's a simple commitment that will go a long way to assure that the energy resources we rely on and the environment we live in are preserved for generations to come.

Go take the pledge at www.bradleyco.net on the County Mayor’s page (or www.energystar.gov/changealight and select Bradley County from the list) and help demonstrate that Bradley County citizens are a significant part of this vital national movement.