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Office of Sustainability
At the end of 2009, the staff of the Environmental Protection Commission
of Hillsborough County created an Office of Sustainability.
The office works to foster collaboration on energy projects and seeks to
promote alternative sources of fuel to improve energy efficiency.
The Office of Sustainability works closely with the Hillsborough County
Energy Management and Sustainability Workgroup headed by
Commissioner Mark Sharpe. Future projects will target
ways to reduce the County’s energy usage and the resulting greenhouse gas
emissions. |
Click here to learn more about EPC's recycling
and Green programs.
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View the following presentations on Energy Management and
Sustainability:
Hillsborough County Government
Energy
and Sustainability Plan
In 2010, Hillsborough County government initiated the development of the Energy and Sustainability Plan (ESP). This document contains a 2009 Greenhouse Gas Inventory, a Land Inventory for carbon credits, as well as proposals for initiatives that can help reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for county government. Click on the
link below to view
the ESP:
Hillsborough County – A “Green Leader” in Sustainability
Learn how Hillsborough County is
leading the way in sustainable practices by visiting the Green Hillsborough
County Website at the following link:
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/green
Rebates and Tax Credits
There are many types of
rebates and tax credits available for items related to
energy efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles.
The rebates and tax credits often have time
limits and other restrictions.
The following links from the Federal Department
of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are
good sources of information on current programs.
Be sure to consult your tax accountant for items
that are reported on your tax return.
United States Department of Energy:
http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html?print
United States Environmental
Protection Agency:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
Additional EPC Green Initiatives
Alternative Vehicle Infrastructure
The EPC has been awarded an electric car charging station through the Department of Energy grant program in Hillsborough County. During the two (2) year grant period, drivers can charge their electric cars for free when visiting EPC. The station is located in the front parking lot and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Electric car technology offers drivers the opportunity to use domestic energy resources, reduce auto emissions and save on fueling costs. Visit
www.mychargepoint.net for locations of charging stations throughout the area. For additional information click
here.
 
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
The EPC vehicle pool includes a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle that
is part of a pilot study on the feasibility of using CNG
vehicles as part of the county fleet. Recognized by the
U.S. EPA as the cleanest, commercially available
internal-combustion vehicle, the CNG vehicle can achieve
up to a 93% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions, a
33% reduction in emissions of various oxides of nitrogen
and a 50% reduction in reactive hydrocarbons when
compared to gasoline vehicles. Company fleets, including
the Tampa International Airport’s fleet, are beginning
to install CNG fueling stations for long term economic
and environmental benefits. Fast-filling CNG stations
can fill CNG vehicles in minutes!
Green Team
In 2010, the EPC formed a “Green Team” to focus attention on ways for the EPC building and staff to be more energy efficient and sustainable. Staff is reminded to reduce electric demand by powering down computers, lights and other equipment when not in use. The Green Team has greatly enhanced recycling opportunities for staff far beyond the usual paper and plastic items. In addition, the Green Team is looking into ways to make the EPC existing building facility more in line with LEED building standards.
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