Energy Management

Electricity and fuels represent a significant portion of operating costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For example, purchased electricity represented nearly a quarter of our GHG emissions in 2021 (date of last inventory). Fortunately, we can manage or control these resources in our operations and infrastructure. This reduces costs and local pollution. 

Below we outline these efforts to manage resources, posting quarterly updates and new project highlights. 

Project Highlights

Randallstown Community Center Rooftop Solar

This was the largest rooftop solar install in the County at time of completion.

• 622 kilowatt direct current (DC) installation
• About 800,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity produced per year
• Electricity is used by the building, with excess sold to the grid
• Offsets about 558 tons of carbon dioxide per year

Glen Arm Maintenance Facility and Drumcastle Government Center Energy Efficiency Measures

This two-building project will produce about $245,000 in energy savings, and two million kilowatt-hours, per year. Updates included:

• Building controls
• Lighting
• New air compressor
• Steam system decommission
• Water fixtures

County Buildings

Together with the Property Management Division, we provide guidance and technical expertise to reduce energy consumption in County buildings. Together, we have long- and short-term goals to reduce utility costs and minimize our environmental impact. We focus on:

• Energy conservation and efficiency
• Green design
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification—A building design system that improved environmental performance, often reducing operating costs.

ENERGY conservation AND EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency and conservation programs, passive building design features, LEED and more are key to:

• Reducing demand and increasing the feasibility of providing energy entirely through renewable and sustainable resources
• Rewarding energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy in the design, construction, and improvement of buildings and homes
• Promote environmental stewardship to match housing and population growth

BUILDING RENEWABLE ENERGY

In 2021, the County established a goal to complete renewable energy projects to generate the equivalent of 100 percent of Baltimore County’s baseline electricity demand by 2026.

Through an RFP process, the County awarded contracts for solar photovoltaic systems on two former landfill sites. The projects are expected to produce approximately 35 to 40 percent of the County’s total baseline electricity consumption (FY 2019). The goal is for the solar systems to be completed by late 2025 and 2026 respectively. They were delayed by pandemic disruptions. 

Renewables ACTION-STRATEGIES

• Identify County-owned properties with the potential for renewable energy generation:
  • Open/vacant spaces
  • Existing buildings
  • Parking garages and lots
• When applicable, require contractors to include a cost-benefit analysis for appropriate renewable energy technologies during the predesign or design phases for new construction or major capital renovations.
• Encourage the use of renewable energy to earn LEED points and certifications.
• Evaluate County buildings scheduled for roof replacements to determine if solar would be a viable option at the time of replacement.
• Explore the use of solar carports:
  • To install over unshaded parking lots.
  • For new parking garage construction.
  • Equipped with electric vehicle charging stations to supply clean energy for alternatively-fueled vehicles.

PURCHASING RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires county governments to purchase renewables, ramping up each year, to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. The County meets the RPS requirements by purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) each year. Renewable energy purchases are made through the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC) Energy Board.

Aggregate Purchasing

The BRCPC gathers large, local energy purchasers together to negotiate lower energy prices. By working together, we successfully save taxpayer money on electricity and gas procurement. 

BRCPC has utilized the aggregate portfolio approach to manage risk and secure competitive market prices. BRCPC, through the guidance of an energy consultant, uses the State license and PJM membership of a transactional contractor to make wholesale market purchases on the grid. 

BRCPC is initiating efforts to expand its purchase of renewable energy and attain RECs to be generated by wind, solar or other renewable energy plants.

This initiative is driven by:

• Increasing concerns on the effects of climate change
• Increased interests from community stakeholders and administrators
• Increasingly competitive prices for renewable energy
• Long-term hedges against volatile conventional energy prices for portions of BRCPC's total energy requirements
• Renewable energy within the PJM territory, especially near Maryland, provides a meaningful impact on local GHG emissions and other forms of pollution. This also reduces the carbon intensity of the State's EPA greenhouse gas emissions factor
• Enhance the public awareness of BRCPC's efforts to pursue sustainable and progressive technologies

MARYLAND SMART ENERGY COMMUNITIES (MSEC)

In FY20, the County was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to participate in the MSEC program, which encourages local governments to adopt smart energy policies and goals. The funding was used for an energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; and LED lighting for the Reisterstown Library renovation.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE "GREEN AT WORK" ENERGY CHALLENGE

The annual sustainability challenge awards points and recognition to County employees who conserve energy, reduce waste and practice sustainability in their workplaces and homes.