LOS ALAMOS COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County’s employee-based “Green Team” has launched a competition between Fire Stations 3, 4 and 6 to challenge them to reduce their electricity and natural gas usage for the next six months — from August through January 2013.
Green Team members launched the competition earlier this month after meeting with firefighters and brainstorming ways that they could save energy.
Ideas included such simple steps as turning off lights when leaving a room or better managing AC/heating usage.
“There was definitely some enthusiasm and competiveness that came out during the launch meetings, which means we should be in for a great competition,” said Environmental Services Specialist Tom Nagawiecki, adding that the Green Team will be providing educational materials about reducing energy use, as well as posting progress updates to the stations as the competition heats up.
Fire Chief Troy Hughes said he is excited firefighters have taken an active interest in the competition, which gives them a different perspective on their mission to protect the environment.
“When we respond to a chemical spill and apply absorbents to keep hazardous materials out of our waterways, that’s one way LAFD supports protection of the environment,” Hughes said, “but reducing our energy use at the stations is yet another way we can take action, and turning it into a competition will be fun and educational.”
Deputy County Administrator Brian Bosshardt agreed.
“The competition is a wonderful opportunity for the County to reduce its environmental impact and will be our pilot project for future energy competitions,” he said, adding that the Green Team plans to add more of these kinds of challenges within the community, based on results.
The competition does offer the winners a grand prize; the station that saves the most energy will win a gourmet meal prepared by County Administrator Harry Burgess, Deputy Administrators Steven Lynne and Bosshardt, with help from the Green Team.
About the Green Team:
The Los Alamos County Green Team is a group of County employees formed in 2010 who represent a variety of different departments and divisions, with a focus on increasing the sustainability of government operations.
In two years, the Team has successfully raised awareness among County employees and drafted a variety of influential policies improving County business practices and efficiencies to reduce environmental impacts.
The Team supports the County’s goals to create a more sustainable County government and be a leader in creating a stronger and healthier community.
To learn more about the County’s environmental sustainability program visit www.losalamosnm.us/getgreen.
