Allegheny County has hired a consultant to conduct energy audits in 104 municipal building all over the county as part of its Energy Efficiency & Conservation Program, a part of a broad energy conservation policy that County Executive Dan Onorato implemented last year.

Chicago-based Lime Energy will help identify how municipalities can cut back on energy consumption and wasteful spending by inspecting lighting systems, heating and air conditioning, computer systems and the overall thermal envelope of municipal buildings.

"The Allegheny County Energy Efficiency & Conservation Program will result in energy conservation projects in local government facilities throughout the county, which will translate into savings for taxpayers and jobs for local workers," said Mr. Onorato.

This effort, he added, "builds on our ongoing initiative to promote sustainable practices across Allegheny County."

Lime Energy, which has offices in Pittsburgh, is expected to begin the audit process at the end of March and submit its reports by the end of July. The company has a $212,000 contract.

Once the audits are completed, the consultant will analyze the results for each municipal building and recommend energy conservation measures such as upgraded lighting, room occupancy sensors, insulation and other weatherization activities.

Last year, the county earmarked $300,000 to help municipalities around the county conduct energy audits in their buildings and facilities. The county launched the program last year with funds from an $8.1 million grant in federal stimulus funds.

The conservation measures are expected to be implemented in the fall, county officials said. Duquesne Light will assist the county in monitoring the results of the facility improvements to ensure quantifiable and measurable energy savings.

In all, the county has set aside up to $2 million to fund the municipal upgrades.

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