Although this program is focused solely on improving the energy efficiency of City operations and facilities, the community benefits in a number of ways. The Municipal Energy Fund contributes to improved efficiency of City operations, reducing operating costs, and making better use of tax payer dollars, always a high priority of local citizens. In the larger picture, improved energy efficiency leads to cleaner air, preserves our planets shrinking fossil fuel resources, and reduces global warming emissions.
In nearly every case, the improvements lead not only to lower operating costs but also to a better environment for the facilities. This includes better control of temperature and improved lighting. These improvements make City facilities more pleasant to work in, more pleasant to visit, more comfortable for community meetings and events, and provide for a healthier indoor environment overall. Improvements at City facilities demonstrate a municipal government that cares about the quality of its operations and encourages the community to take pride in its City facilities.
Finally, the Ann Arbor Energy Plan directs the City to lead by example, providing demonstrations of energy saving technologies which can then be used by others in the community. The City is proud of its energy efficiency programs and makes information on energy savings at City facilities available to the community. Assistance is available from the Energy Office to businesses and homeowners who are interested in improving energy efficiency. One goal is to build community-wide enthusiasm for energy efficiency.
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