Description:

A 32 inch interactive, touch screen monitor in the lobby of the Government Center displays educational graphics on the basics of how both the solar and wind energy systems produce electricity, production trends and environmental impacts displayed in tons of CO2 emission reductions, acres of trees planted, dollars saved, and gallons of gasoline saved. Electric Vehicle (make & model or conversion): The City of Cedar Hill has incorporated two 2011 all-electric Nissan Leaf vehicles into its fleet. Additionally, the Government Center has four electric vehicle charging stations. Two are for use by the public and two are for use by the City and CHISD. Low water use landscape: Native Texas plants and drought resistant landscaping are incorporated throughout the Government Center. All the trees, with the exception of the drought-resistant crape myrtle, are Native Texas trees. Additionally, the Bermuda grass turf and plants and flowers in the ornamental flower beds have a low water requirement. Drought-resistant and Native Texas landscaping have also been incorporated in other City facilities, such as Lake Ridge Parkway, Pleasant Run Road and Red Oak Creek Trail. Going forward, drought-resistant and Native Texas plants will be incorporated into the design process for facilities such as Mansfield Road. CFL or LED lighting: CFL lighting is incorporated throughout the Government Center.

Other Benefits:

• The City of Cedar Hill received over $1,100,000 from the Department of Energy and Oncor for the installation of a 152.64 kW Solar PV system on the roof of the Government Center. Since its installation in July 2011, the 480 solar panels have produced more than 652,000 kilowatt hours and saved over $65,000, which is equivalent to saving approximately 52,800 gallons of gasoline or planting 11,700 trees. Annually, the System generates 210,030 kilowatt hours of electricity and saves the Government Center over $21,000 per year.

Additional Notes:

The City of Cedar Hill broke new ground when we forged a partnership with Cedar Hill Independent School District (CHISD) to build a 117,000 square foot Government Center to house both the City and CHISD’s administrative offices. The Government Center provides citizens with a one-stop shop to address their issues with the City and CHISD. In addition to saving space, both entities mutually agree and contribute to the operations of the building, with an emphasis on green initiatives. Our commitment to growing green is evident to the community especially at the Government Center which features a solar PV system, a wind turbine, two all-electric Nissan Leaf fleet vehicles, four electric vehicle charging stations, and native Texas drought resistant landscaping. Below are highlights of the green initiatives incorporated in the Government Center. The City of Cedar Hill received over $1,100,000 from the Department of Energy and Oncor for the installation of a 152.64 kW Solar PV system on the roof of the Government Center. Since its installation in July 2011, the 480 solar panels have produced more than 652,000 kilowatt hours and saved over $65,000, which is equivalent to saving approximately 52,800 gallons of gasoline or planting 11,700 trees. Annually, the System generates 210,030 kilowatt hours of electricity and saves the Government Center over $21,000 per year. In September 2011, the City of Cedar Hill received a $50,000 State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) grant to install a grid-tied 4.335 kW vertical axis wind turbine at the Government Center. The wind turbine complements the Solar project and is part of a hybrid solution incorporating wind and solar to stabilize energy costs, enhance energy security, and improve our community’s environment. The cost of the four Electric Vehicle charging stations was completely covered by grant funds. All of these projects support the 2011-2016 Sustainability Action Plan, an ambitious five-year plan designed to 1) build institutional capacity required to implement sustainability actions, 2) optimize energy and reduce emissions within governmental operations, and 3) continue to plan for sustainability within the Cedar Hill community. Our focus on green initiatives continues to be leading edge as we develop and expand partnerships to make a difference together and engage the community about practical ways to implement green living. These projects have made a significant positive impact on the environment and have empowered citizens to make a difference in their community. Additionally, the City will expand its role as a destination for learning by finding new means to demonstrate various forms of renewable energy and its impact on the environment. www.cedarhilltxgov.org

Open House Info:

TOUR HOURS 10AM- NOON Saturday, October 03.2015

Links: