Government Operations Workgroup Releases Fourth Annual Progress Report

The Broward County Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup's Fourth Annual Progress Report describes greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures Broward County government implemented during FY2011, October 2010 through September 2011, and progress towards achieving the GHG reduction goal.

The estimated GHG emission reduction from the quantified measures totals 3,026 tonnes eCO₂, which resulted in an estimated annual cost saving of $555,160. The following are a few highlights of significant measures implemented:

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Chiller Replacements at North Mass Transit and Central Homeless Assistance Center:

The electricity use prior to the HVAC upgrades was 988,344 kWh and after, it decreased to 869,743 kWh, a difference of 118,601 kWh annually. This is equivalent to 71 tonnes eCO2, and an annual cost savings of $11,860.

Mini-hybrid Engineered Machined Products (EMP) Retrofits on BCT buses:

The Transit Division retrofitted mechanically/hydraulically driven cooling system components on 47 county buses with electrically powered devices in order to achieve fuel savings and reduce GHG emissions. EMP retrofits reduce the horsepower draw on the engine, thus improve fuel economy by a minimum of 5 percent. Collectively, the units reduced eCO2 emissions by 498 tonnes, a cost savings of $170,511.

   Recycling in County Facilities: During FY2011, approximately 1,469 tons of office paper, magazines, newspapers, file folders, cardboard, and food and beverage containers were recycled in County administrative facilities, including the airport connection center, and parks. By recycling these materials, the County saved more than $143,399 through avoided disposal. This represents a GHG reduction of 4,731 tonnes which is equivalent to the emissions of 530,381 gallons of gasoline consumed.

 Broward County Releases Online Go Green Tutorial for Employees...check it out!

Take the Broward Go Green Tutorial. This is the first in a series of tutorials to educate employees on how to reduce their carbon footprint at work and at home.  In this Tutorial you will learn about the county’s sustainability initiatives, and simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle at work and at home.  We encourage you to share the Go Green Tutorial with your employees and friends.  For more information please visit gogreen.

 The Workgroup

The Broward County Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup (PDF) includes representatives from many county agencies that are organized into committees in the areas of buildings/infrastructure, waste, transportation, natural systems and policies. The Workgroup Steering Committee meets monthly to identify potential emission reduction actions and propose implementation of selected actions.

The Workgroup works very closely with  International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) the Budget Office, the Broward County Climate Change Task Force, and other local organizations to identify funding opportunities for the implementation of GHG reduction projects.  

Some of the continued efforts to achieve the reduction goals include the following:

• Continue Data Tracking and Reporting
• Intragovernmental Coordination
• Outreach and Education
• Research of Green Government Initiatives
• Participation in Climate Change Forums and Conferences
• Grants and Policy Research
• Annual Government Operations Emissions Inventory and Progress Reports
• Coordination with Broward County Climate Change Task Force

Reports

On June 24, 2008 the Broward County Government Operations Climate Change Report was accepted by the Board. This Report includes a review of potential climate change related impacts; a government operations GHG emissions reduction goal; a baseline year GHG emissions inventory; reporting of early voluntary actions already implemented towards the reduction target; and recommendations on GHG emission reduction strategies for future consideration.

On June 9, 2009 the first Broward County Government Operations 2009 Progress Report (PDF)   and the associated Appendix (PDF) was accepted by the Board of County Commissioners.  

On May 14, 2010, the Broward County Government Operations Second Annual Progress Report (Report) (401 KB) and associated Appendix (.PDF) (1,429 KB) Appendix (.docx) (2,215 KB), was completed. The Report, developed by Workgroup, describes the actions Broward County government implemented during fiscal year 2009, October 2008 through September 2009, and progress towards achieving the reduction goal. The Workgroup continues to identify and promote measures that support GHG reductions in government operations. Broward County’s government operations 2009 carbon footprint is 256,227 tonnes of eCO2.

On May 13, 2011, the Broward County Government Operations Third Annual Progress Report (470 KB) and Appendix (.docx) (3,313 KB), was completed. The County Government's FY2010 carbon footprint is 256,036 tonnes of GHG emissions. The bar chart below shows Broward County's 2015 emissions reduction target level and the past several years CO2 emissions levels in comparison.  

On May 1, 2012, the Workgroup released the Broward County Government Operations Fourth Annual Progress Report with Appendix (PDF) (1,240 KB).  Broward County Government operations FY2011 carbon footprint is 250,255 tonnes eCO2. To meet the established 2015 GHG emission reduction target of 222,099 tonnes, Broward County government must reduce an additional 28,156 tonnes eCO2 from 2011 emission levels.  This represents an average annual reduction of 7,039 tonnes.