Office of Energy and Sustainability
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"We must invest in our future, directly tackling the environmental challenges facing this county. In the short-term, we’re inviting our citizens, cities, businesses and public agencies to partner with us in finding ways to reduce and eliminate our sources of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. For the long-term, we will become a leader in sustainable job growth, a promoter of innovative clean energy and a protector of the environment and natural resources. Others will look to us as an example of a county that on every level is sustainable. It’s a continuous process, but one we’re committed to achieve."
- Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive |
In July of 2007, Aaron Reardon issued Executive Order 07-48 to establish an initial goal of reducing community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20 percent below year 2000 levels by 2020. Executive Reardon’s Green Ribbon Climate Task Force developed recommendations in 2008 to help achieve this GHG reduction goal, and the County identified a set of 2008 Green Initiatives to put these recommendations into action. In 2009, the County conducted a GHG inventory and published the findings in the 2009 GHG Inventory and Forecast Report.
County implements new "Green Purchasing" policy!
Snohomish County has rolled out new requirements for purchasing "green" products and services, including construction. The new Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Product Utilization Policy (EPP) establishes rules for considering the purchase of "green products and services." Visit this link to read the entire press release.
Check out Snohomish County’s clean, green, renewable energy!
Snohomish County is generating renewable energy! The County has several sites with solar panels that are generating electricity, including our largest 16.4kw system on the roof of the County Campus Administration Building. Visit this link to see how much electricity our County Campus system produces! (Note: Silverlight Plug-In needed to view this URL) The County also has a 4.2kw solar system at our Cathcart facility, and a 1.2kw system at River Meadows Park in Arlington.
Snohomish County Launches a New Residential Energy Loan Program
Snohomish County has partnered with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union (PSCCU) to launch a new Energy Smart loan program for Snohomish County homeowners! By participating in this program, Snohomish County homeowners can get help with all of their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, such as energy efficient windows and doors, insulation, heat pumps, solar system installation, and more. You can learn more about Snohomish County’s Energy Smart Loan program and apply online by visiting the PSCCU Web site.
SnoLEAF Partners with Snohomish County in Greenhouse Design Competition!
Submit your original design for a greenhouse following "The Living Building Challenge" requirements and you could win the grand prize of $7,500 and a chance to benefit local food growers. Visit SnoLEAF.org for rules, contest info and more. Registration open November 16, 2012 - February 1, 2013. (view flyer pdf)
Read more about the County’s recent sustainability initatives and projects in the 2010 Sustainability Update (pdf).
Watch this video to learn more about the County's energy conservation projects, including solar powered electric vehicle charging stations, the LED street lamp pilot project, and more! County Energy Conservation Projects
Learn more about the Sustainable Cathcart Project.
13 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Projects Complete
In 2009, Snohomish County was awarded $4.8 million from the Department of Energy for an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The County has completed 13 different energy efficiency projects under this grant. Learn more about Snohomish County’s EECBG projects by opening the EECBG Project Map.
County Projects Eliminate Use of Petroleum Fuels
Snohomish County Public Works’ Fleet Management Division is a subrecipient of the Clean Cities grant from the Department of Energy. Read more about Fleet Management‘s projects through the Clean Cities grant that are helping to reduce the County’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Snohomish County Joins the PUD Energy Challenge!
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Snohomish County recently joined the Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) Energy Challenge and pledged to reduce energy use in select County facilities by 10 percent below 2007-2009 average usage within the next three years. The County will reach its goals for this challenge through a combination of capital retrofit projects and through educational efforts for all employees. Snohomish County is proud to be a participant in this challenge, alongside other local residents, businesses and community groups who have also taken the pledge. Hear what Executive Reardon has to say about the Energy Challenge.
Take the PUD Energy Challenge at home and be a conservation sensation! |
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Learn How to Save Energy and Money!
Learn how you can save energy and save money. Check out local utility energy saving incentives and programs for your home or business: PUD incentives/programs and PSE incentives/programs.
Yellow Pages Opt-Out
Are the phone directories delivered to your home not being used? Would you like to opt-out of receiving the Yellow Pages and other phone directories? To learn more about the Yellow Pages Opt-Out options and how to recycle phone directories, visit this Web page.
Snohomish County Launches Recycle More! Recycle Right!
Snohomish County employees have taken on the “Recycle More! Recycle Right!” challenge, an effort to reduce the county’s internal waste stream by 30 percent. View press release.
The Office of Energy and Sustainability works in collaboration with residents, businesses, agencies, local governments and community groups to protect the environment, conserve energy and foster sustainable communities. We provide education, outreach and partnerships that inspire everyone to take action and build a more sustainable Snohomish County.
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Lisa Dulude
Energy and Sustainable Development Analyst
(425) 388-3965 |