To date, there have been no concerns expressed about the quality of the light, and two comments have been received that the LED light has a more consistent output, creating less intense light and dark spots. Light measurements taken on the ground show the LED light is more uniform between the maximum and minimum light recorded. This program is an effort to find the most energy efficient light bulbs for City street lights. Power and light output will continue to be monitored through July 2011.

Pilot street light update

9/29/2010

The City is testing Light Emitting Diode (LED) street light technology and Inductance street lighting technology at the City Hall parking lot, the Carpenter Recreation Center parking lot, and street lights at the intersection of 150th Avenue and York Street. Data being collected is light output, energy used by the various lights, and public comment. Preliminary indications are that the LED street lights used in this pilot program provide a more uniform light distribution compared to the other three technologies. The LED’s use approximately 80 percent less electricity than the Metal Halide lights, and 15 percent less electricity used than the High Pressure Sodium lights. There have not been any public comments received to date. However, from staff observations, the LED light appears to provide the most light area distribution and the least glare. Staff has also contacted Gunnison, Colorado, who installed approximately 70 LED lights and has also installed a few Inductance lights. Gunnison staff reports that their citizens prefer the LED light output to the other styles of light and that the Inductance lighting is perceived as a harsher bright light. They have found an 85 to 90 percent savings in electricity from LED lighting and no savings in electricity from Inductance lighting. Thornton has also joined a national Street Light Consortium. Information from this group includes street light specifications, results from other Cities Pilot Programs, and challenges to implementing a LED Program.

Wind energy overview

10/19/2009

The City Council Work Plan calls for the review of wind energy alternatives for both residential and commercial uses. Thornton’s City Code has allowed ground-mounted Wind Energy Conversion Systems, or wind turbines, which can operate appliances, computers, homes or commercial operations, since 1982 through approval of a Specific Use Permit. Wind turbines may be a maximum of 75 feet high, and must be set back from property lines and meet specific safety requirements. These requirements allow for both the three-blade and vertical-axis systems that are intended for mounting on rooftops, light poles, and other tower structures. The wind industry recommends turbines be located at least thirty feet above the highest wind obstacle (house, tree, etc.) that is within 500 feet of the device. Although newer wind devices can function at lower wind speeds, for the most part, the industry also recommends wind systems only for areas where the wind speed averages at least 10 to 12 miles per hour. According to ThorntonWeather.com, the wind speeds in Thornton average 3.6 miles per hour. Since Thornton’s wind speeds are below industry recommendations, wind energy systems may not be economically feasible in this area.

Energy improvements at Carpenter Recreation Center

6/22/2009

Current efforts to reduce energy use and minimize environmental impact are underway at the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center. These improvements include upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Support Services has completed the physical installation of the two new heating and cooling units for the pool area outlined in Council's Green program and anticipates completing commissioning and balancing over the next few weeks. Both units are currently in service while the commissioning and balancing is being done. The City is also in the process of applying for Leadership in Energy Efficiency Design for Existing Buildings (LEED EB) certification for this facility. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project is environmentally responsible, and is a healthy place to live or work.

Thornton now a member of the United States Green Building Council

6/22/2009

The City of Thornton has become a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). This membership enhances and supports the City Council’s commitment to efficiency in building design and construction. The City plans to use this association to assist with projects to improve existing buildings as well as future building endeavors. Benefits of being a USGBC member include open access to their materials and expertise for use by City of Thornton employees, reduced expense for LEED AP training (Leadership in Energy Efficiency Design Accredited Professional), networking with other members concerning new and existing technology and building practices, and recognition for the City as being a member of a nationally recognized organization focused on better building practices and supporting related legislation for the future

City Trash Trucks now boast that they are running on Biodiesel

3/9/2009

City trash truck will now have stickers that let citizens know the trucks are running on biodiesel. The stickers can be seen on the trucks front doors, near the City logo. The signs let customers know it’s a green fleet.

Environmentally safe graffiti removal

12/8/2008

Neighborhood Services staff is sharing knowledge with a local school district. City staff will demonstrate an environmentally-safe graffiti removal product for the Environmental Health and Safety team at Adams 12 Five Star Schools. The school district staff is interested in finding a viable alternative to safely and effectively remove graffiti that does not have harmful fumes and will not contaminate water run off. The City of Thornton uses a product called Soyclean, which is a non-toxic, soybean based cleaner. The Graffiti Removal Officer will be presenting an on-site training session in the next month to demonstrate the City’s use of the product.

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