Energy
The Town of Melbourne Beach works towards an energy-efficient and carbon emission neutral future as part of its sustainability plan.
Energy is required to power our homes and town. Air conditioning, lighting, electronics, hot water, and many other daily conveniences rely on electricity for power and safety.
The Challenge
The energy services throughout the Town of Melbourne Beach are almost entirely derived from non-renewable, carbon emitting fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, over the past 20 years, nearly three-fourths of human-caused emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel burning is the primary contributor to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
The Opportunity
At a local level, small steps such as retrofitting our infrastructure with energy efficient practices and renewable energy technologies will contribute to larger cost-savings over time, reduce our carbon footprint, and improve public health. The Town is first taking steps to reduce our energy needs, and then has plans to meet the reduced energy requirements with renewable energy — specifically photovoltaic (solar panels). Further, as a coastal community, shifting to locally generated, renewable energy sources can improve our energy resilience and security during and after severe storm events.
Read below to learn how the Town of Melbourne Beach is working towards a more energy-efficient and carbon emission neutral future:
1. Energy Use Reduction
The Town has worked to identify and implement energy conservation measures to reduce the energy needs of its municipal buildings. These measures save the Town money over time with increased efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Targeted measures include:
High Efficiency Air Conditioners and Controls, and ENERGY STAR® Appliances
The Town recently replaced its air conditioning systems with higher efficiency systems and implemented advanced controls to avoid using space conditioning when it is not needed — a crucial energy savings opportunity in our hot and humid climate. The Town has also upgraded multiple appliances to ENERGY STAR certified products.
LED Lighting
The Town has collaborated with FPL to replace all street lamps with LED lights, reducing that energy stream an estimated 10%. Also, the town is transitioning to LED lighting for all municipal building needs. Sensors have been installed to reduce energy use to light unoccupied spaces.
2. Solar Opportunities
Exploration of rooftop solar panels, solar thermal hot water systems, and battery back-up installation on existing and new town-owned properties continues to be explored.
What Can You Do?
Looking for fun volunteer opportunities? Join us on Facebook to find the next event!