Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 31, 1994 TAG: 9405310093
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
The department, which also is using solar power to run soil erosion monitors at remote logging sites, is just one of several state agencies to develop creative methods to cut their 1990 energy consumption 25 percent by 1998.
The Virginia Energy Plan, released by former Gov. Douglas Wilder, was built on the premise that state government must set an example for conservation.
While it has not met its goals for reaching out to the public, the plan has mobilized state agencies to take imaginative measures that save energy and money in the daily operation of Virginia government.
At Radford University, golf carts, rather than huge garbage trucks, are being used to pick up trash and haul it to large vehicles at fixed sites.
"We have saved ourselves significant money," said Bob Nicholson, assistant director of Radford's physical plant, who puts the first-year savings at $16,000 to $18,000.
The Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services has arranged to borrow $5.5 million to install automated energy management systems and renovate buildings throughout its system. The agency plans to repay the loan to the Department of Treasury with the estimated $1.4 million in annual savings it expects to achieve.
Radford, the Forestry Department and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services were three of five agencies recognized last week for their energy-saving efforts.
by CNB