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The program is part of the Energize Connecticut initiative that gives cities and towns incentives to support renewable and efficient energy. First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced the grant. Fairfield is one of 35 Connecticut municipalities recognized with the first Bright Idea Grant.
Fairfield earned its $15,000 grant based on the level of community participation in Energy Efficiency Fund programs, representatives said. Bright Idea Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project.
Fairfield officials said the town plans to use the grant funding to build an energy management system for Independence Hall to control heating, air conditioning and lighting, which will save the Town on energy and billing costs.
"From January 2010 through August 2013, the Town of Fairfield saved 17,729,231 kWh and 290,998 ccf of natural gas," representatives said. "By doing so, the Town avoided emissions of 10,276 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to taking 1,792 cars off the road for one year."
The Town of Fairfield achieved the savings by completing benchmarking of all municipal and Board of Education buildings, tracking toward reducing energy consumption by 20 percent, holding a townwide campaign to recruit 1,440 homes to participate in the Home Energy Solutions program and having extra points awarded for Fairfield’s annual Earth Day Event.
“Fairfield continues to be a champion of clean energy initiatives, keeping us on the forefront of energy efficiency and renewable energy," Tetreau said. "I want to thank our Department of Public Works Assistant Director, Ed Boman, who, time after time, has worked hard to help our Town receive numerous grants like this one that save taxpayer dollars and makes Fairfield a greener community.”
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