City of Orlando :: Green Works Orlando

Green Works Orlando Green Updates

November 2008

November 21

Orlando is a ‘Solar American City’

OUC Building The City of Orlando has received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Orlando was among only 12 cities to be designated a ‘Solar American City.’ In partnership with OUC and Orange County, the City will develop a strategic energy plan that will support the use of solar technology.

OUC is leading by example with their new service center, Reliable Plaza, the greenest building in Downtown Orlando. Built to Gold LEED standards, this building is using solar power to reduce energy use by 28 percent. OUC is also making it easier for customers to switch to solar, too, by partnering with Orlando Federal Credit Union to offer low interest loan options for solar installations and providing a monthly production credit to customers.

To learn how you can switch to solar in your home, visit ouc.com/green/solar_pilots.htm

November 14

Reliable Plaza is Open for Business

OUC - The Reliable One - unveiled Reliable Plaza, the utility’s new green downtown customer service and administration center on Tuesday, November 11. Reliable Plaza is one of the most energy and water efficient buildings using 28 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than a similar sized structure built to standard code. These energy and water saving features make this the first commercial building in Central Florida designed and built to meet a Gold level LEED certification.

Some of the building’s green features include:

A 3,200 square foot solar photovoltaic (PV) system supplies about 2.5 percent of the building’s energy.

Solar hot water panels provide hot water.

Raised flooring helps cool and heat more efficiently.

A 30,000 gallon cistern collects rainwater and air-conditioning condensate for irrigation.

Florida-friendly, drought-resistant landscaping (xeriscaping) uses 50 percent less water.

75 percent of construction waste was recycled.

10 percent of materials have recycled content and 20 percent of materials are manufactured regionally.

Reliable Plaza also boasts improved customer features. Drive through payment lanes and one-stop shopping for developers and commercial customers are a few of the improvements. The customer education center in the lobby features an interactive touch screen TV that shows customers how to conserve energy and water and save money in their own homes and businesses.

To learn more about this facility and the new customer service features, visit ouc.com.

November 7

Take the Green Works Life Pledge

Last week, Mayor Buddy Dyer introduced Green Works LIFE, a program designed to provide the tools and resources you need to lead an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Ultimately, this program will help you save money, conserve energy and reduce your environmental footprint.

You can begin your lifestyle change by signing our Green Works LIFE pledge, promising you will:

· Help conserve natural resources and protect the environment.
· Support energy efficiencies in green buildings, vehicles and materials.
· Foster alternative transportation options.
· Encourage an increase in the amount of trees and green spaces in the City.
· Continue to adopt tools, engage in education and share information to become more
environmentally responsible.
· Work together as a community to combat the threat of climate change.

After you sign the pledge, take a moment to download a Green Works LIFE pledge certificate, computer screen wallpaper or add a watermark to your e-mail. To make your pledge, visit cityoforlando.net/greenworks.