Energy Analysis Could Save Horsham Green

Horsham Township has switched from traditional lights to LED bulbs in its traffic lights, 100 street lights will become LED-powered soon and a solar light illuminates the parking lot behind the township building.

Horsham has done all it knows how to become more energy efficient, Township Manager Bill Walker said during Monday night's township council meeting.

Now, the township is looking to expand its energy conservation horizons even more with help from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. 

Liz Compitello, a research analyst in the DVRPC's Office of Energy and Climate Change Initiatives, gave a brief presentation during the council's meeting outlining a year-long township-specific program which got underway in October 2012.

As part of a detailed energy analysis, DVRPC, through a multi-pronged approach, evaluates the township's current energy use; devises a cost-saving plan; shares best practices; trains municipal staff; and identifies funding sources to implement energy plans. 

Walker said the township anticipates receiving an energy plan from DVRPC by summer highlighting short-term, as well as long-term plans to reduce energy and save money. 

"We want to work to help save you money on energy costs," Compitello said. "We’re going to ask that you showcase that work with the rest of the region. Horsham’s been a real true leader in this so far."

In terms of the most energy used in township functions, Walker said the Horsham Township Library uses the most, followed by the Horsham Township Police Department and the Public Works garage. 

Even though the library was only built in 2004, Compitello said it may not be energy efficient as possible. 

"Sometimes in the first couple years when you’re using your buildings it’s good to have someone come in and take a look," she said.