MWRD works toward energy neutrality in 10 years, enters partnership with Public Building Commission

As the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) works toward becoming an energy neutral organization within the next decade, another step forward has been taken to achieve that goal. The MWRD has enlisted the Public Building Commission of Chicago’s (PBC’s) assistance in evaluating energy reduction opportunities at its facilities.

In 2011, the MWRD began driving down the path to energy neutrality by purchasing electricity at discounted rates through a competitive auction, installing solar panels and introducing sewerthermal technology to maximize the heat produced by the wastewater treatment process.

The Public Building Commission manages construction and renovation for the city of Chicago, and while the MWRD has had an appointee on the PBC Board since 1956, this is the first time the District and PBC are working together.

“The MWRD is excited about working together to achieve savings on behalf of taxpayers,” said MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos, the MWRD’s appointee to the Public Building Commission.  “It is a model of cooperation between intergovernmental agencies and it will help bring costs down.”

Once agreements are finalized, the next step will include in-depth audits of how power is used at MWRD facilities. After the audits are completed, PBC will provide a detailed analysis along with recommended savings to the MWRD.

Additional information about the PBC can be found at www.pbcchicago.com and additional information about the MWRD can be found at www.mwrd.org.

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