Did you know that your City works hard in efforts to “go green”? In addition to the many examples below, citizens should know that Blue Ash also participates in the Hamilton County Climate Initiative!

The Hamilton County Climate Initiative began in response to a number of Hamilton County communities looking for ways to go green and use less energy, all while saving money. That's why Hamilton County teamed up with Miami University to design a program of workshops to give governments and leaders throughout the county a user-friendly tool kit on how to save money by implementing best practices in government regarding energy use and green policies. The Hamilton County Climate Initiative (HCCI) held a kickoff meeting on October 31, 2008 to spark an initial discussion on the role that local governments can play in reducing environmental impact, creating jobs and saving money by taking action on the issue of global climate change. The subsequent meetings were topic specific and explored solid waste management/food production issues, transportation, energy, and development (Blue Ash hosted the latter at the City’s North Fire Station).

Blue Ash Councilman Lee Czerwonka, Facilities Superintendent Tom Murphy, and Assistant to the City Manager Kelly Osler have been involved in each of the HCCI meetings, sharing innovative practices already in place in Blue Ash (see many examples below) and learning about new opportunities. Councilman Czerwonka has noted on several occasions that Blue Ash is truly “ahead of the game,” having implemented energy savings practices for many years. 

A project wrap-up and presentation will be held on April 22nd (Earth Day) at the Cincinnati Zoo. For more information on this initiative, please visit http://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/climate/. 

And ... below are just a few highlights of what Blue Ash is doing in terms of becoming more environmentally conscious in its decisions ...

      • Did you know that business energy costs are seven times more expensive during “peak” hours vs. “off peak” hours? The Rec Center has an ice storage system, and chillers make ice during off-peak hours. That system then uses the ice to cool the building in warm months instead of relying on peak power during the day.
      • For the past several years, when traffic lights have been in need of replacement, LED lights have been used in lieu of incandescents. About 25% of the City’s traffic signals utilize LED technology, which is not only more energy efficient, but also saves on maintenance costs. More signals are converted to LED each year.
      • The Golf Course uses variable frequency drive (VFD) or variable speed drive (VSD) pumps in conjunction with the irrigation system. This uses much less energy to start the pumps and also minimizes potential damage to pipes sometimes caused by extreme pressure when an old-style pump is first turned on.
      • Newer City facilities have recirculating hot water systems that allow immediate flow of hot water. Less water use is the result.
      • Most shower heads throughout the City are water-saver models. Replacement bathroom and toilet fixtures are the more efficient water-saver and low-flow design products.
      • The Service Department provides pickup of Freon-containing appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners from residents at no cost. The City also arranges for proper disposal of the Freon removed from those appliances.
      • Residents are able to dispose of, at no cost, certain hazardous waste items (such as batteries, oil, tires, etc.) at the Service Department which arranges for proper disposal.
      • In addition to the free curbside recycling bin program, there are several recycling drop-off locations throughout the City available for use by the public 24-hours a day. These drop-off bins are located in the Nature Park parking area, Sports Center, Raymond Walters College, and in downtown behind the library. The same recyclables that can be placed in curbside bins can be recycled at these drop-off locations.
      • Parks and Golf Maintenance operations compost -- three compost areas at the Sports Center and one near the Golf Maintenance facility. The compost is tilled back into flower beds and other appropriate areas in Blue Ash.
      • The Service Department offers free delivery of wood chips to Blue Ash residents when available. These chips are the product of the department’s brush chipper which canvasses the City through spring, summer, and fall months.
      • The Golf Maintenance facility has a recovery wash pad. This assures that oils and other matter washed from mowing machines are not dispensed back into the environment. The grass trimmings gathered through this process are reused and spread on the course.
      • Golf and Parks Maintenance crews mulch leaves when possible. Mulching, in lieu of bagging, returns needed nutrients to the ground, is more efficient, and saves landfill space.
      • The Golf Course has approximately five acres of “rough” areas being left to grow naturally, and they are mowed only two times a year.
      • The holiday decorations placed in downtown utilize more efficient LED lights, saving in energy costs and long-term maintenance.
      • The internal chambers of the recirculation pumps at the pool are specially coated to increase the flow rate of the water passing through them. This makes the pumping operation more efficient and lessens the pump’s energy consumption. This coating also saves on long-term maintenance of the equipment.
      • When a “flat” or membrane roof of a City facility is in need of replacement, the City has been utilizing a white roof, vs. traditional black roof. A white roof will absorb less heat and will make the AC system more efficient.
      • The City uses digital energy management systems and set-back thermostats on most facilities.
      • T12 fluorescent light bulbs have been replaced with recyclable T8 to increase efficiency. Also, fluorescent (vs. incandescent) bulbs are used when possible as they use +75% less energy than the equivalent voltage incandescent bulb.
      • Replacement cooling systems using “ozone friendly” refrigerants are used instead of older R-22 technology.
      • Timers and motion sensors on City-owned out buildings are used to conserve on lighting.
      • The chemicals used to clean City facilities are cold-water activated. This saves on the cost to heat hot water for cleaning purposes.
      • Throughout City offices, the staff is encouraged to recycle, including paper, cans, and plastics.
      • For snow and ice control, the City is increasing its usage of a more environmentally friendly additive – Geo-Melt.
      • All scoreboard lighting at the Sports Center has been converted to more efficient LED lights.
      • Most of the 150+ computers at the City switched to flat screens which use less energy. Also, all printers and copiers have the energy “standby” settings.
      • Carpet removed from City facilities is recycled and whenever possible, replacement is made of recycled materials.