| Clarify Recycle Rules, Expand Recycling Options | You can see the current rules by clicking here. The Environmental Commission wants to simplify them, making them easier to follow. Reduce your chances of being in violation and susceptible to fines for failure to comply. | Spring '09 |
| Library Energy Talks | Foster discussion groups focusing on energy and the environment, led by informed individuals, held at the South Orange Public Library. | Spring '09 |
| Energy Baseline | Provide a baseline for the municipality's energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This will permit us to set realistic goals for reducing energy usage. | Spring '09 |
| LED Light Conversion | Emergency exit lights, which must remain on at all times, will be switched to LEDs. These bulbs use a fraction of the electricty and last many times longer than the originals | Summer '09 |
| Gas Lamp Energy Saving Initiative (will reduce NG consumption by 50% - 200,000+ therms) | We all love the gas lamps, but do they need to be burning precious natural gas during daylight hours? We can have our lamps retrofitted with a new igniter that is light sensitive. Energy Policy is working with PSE&G to achieve this worthwhile goal. Long term gas savings run in the range of $300,000/year at today's prices. We still need to understand the implementation cost and if there is any difference in the monthly maintenance fee (tariff) of the new devices. But at that rate the return on investment is very short (3-4years). This will also have a significant impact on our carbon footprint. See the video. |
Mid '09 |
| Bio-Diesel Fleet Initiative | Together with Maplewood, South Orange is obtaining contracts to purchase bio-diesel fuel for most town vehicles (police and fire, excepted). Use of this fuel will save money and is more carbon neutral. Note: Our new Fire Dept pumper will accept bio-diesel fuel. | Winter 08,09 |
| Solar Roof for DPW | Bids are out for installing a solar roof on the Department of Public Works building next to the recycling center. This will be our first public solar installation. Expect more of this kind of investment that will reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, while saving tax payer money. The Library is next. | Fall '09 |
| Solar Hot Water System for Pool House | This project is to install a system to replace an oil fired system that will provide mostly free hot water to the facilities at the pool (currently does not include heating the pool water). Top | Summer '09? |