Energy efficient technology: Nation’s Mayors Placing High Priority on Usage

US Mayors Name LED and Other Energy-Efficient Lighting as the “Most Promising Technologies” for Reducing Energy and Carbon Emissions in Recent USCM Survey

Nearly 300 Cities Provide Data on Local Energy Initiatives

Full Survey results attached, as well as press release below – among the key findings were:

1. 54% of cities responding are targetingoutdoor lighting for improved energy efficiency or reduced energy consumption, second only to public buildings (83%). This shows a continued strong interest in street lighting and other outdoor lighting, as well as an opportunity to educate on the role LED lighting can play in improving energy efficiency in city-owned and operated buildings.
2. 67% of cities plan to increase their deployment of new energy technologies over the next five years (as compared to current commitments). 23% expect their deployment to remain the same, and only 4% plan to decrease their deployment.
3. The most significant challenges facing cities when it comes to increasing energy efficiency and conservation are budget/funding constraints (84%), followed by high up-front costs (71%). 29% said that it is hard to justify upgrades because their current infrastructure is still working.
4. 82% of cities responding named LEDs and other energy-efficient lighting as the “most promising technologies” for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in their city.
5. When asked which of the following technologies their city government “previously” deployed, 82% said LED and energy efficient lighting, followed by 62% who listed low energy buildings or energy efficient appliances.
6. When it comes to improving energy efficiency in buildings, 86% said retrofitting city-owned buildings is now a priority.
7. Only 36% of the city’s responding have developed a comprehensive energy plan. Of the 64% who have not, 13% plan to develop one in the next year and 29% plan to develop one within 2 years.

Mayors Want LED

Washington, D.C. – Despite budget constraints, U.S. Mayors expect to significantly expand their investment in energy technologies over the next five years, according to a new survey of nearly 300 cities highlighting how cities are deploying new energy technologies to make their city operations and communities more energy efficient.

Energy Efficient Technology Survey

The survey, titled Energy Efficiency and Technologies in America’s Cities, was unveiled during The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 82nd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. at a session with mayors and U.S. Energy Secretary Moniz at the Capital Hilton. The survey can be found at usmayors.org/2014energysurvey.

For the survey shows again how mayors are leaders in energy innovation. Thereby deploying new technologies and pursuing new efficiency systems. They are furthermore reducing their communities’ energy use and lowering costs for their taxpayers. Their best practices as well as the findings of this survey confirm that investing dollars. Especially in city energy efforts. That’s because it’s is a very good investment for the private sector and the nation. That was said in part by USCM President Mesa AZ Mayor Scott Smith.

Energy efficient Technology: Phillips

Done in conjunction with Philips, the survey also indicates that mayors plan to make energy-efficient lighting technology (LEDs as the primary example) a top priority over the next two years. LED/energy efficient lighting was also overwhelmingly rated as the “most promising” technology for reducing city energy use and carbon emissions, with more than four in five cities of those surveyed (82 percent) reporting.

“The impact of lighting on an urban environment cannot be underestimated. It is simply one of the most important steps that Mayors can take to make their cities feel safer and meet the sustainability goals of the 21st century city,” said Bruno Biasiotta, president and CEO of Philips Lighting Americas. 

So when Phillips lighting partners with forward-thinking communities it’s making their city buildings more energy-efficient. So their streets brighter and safer. It would then turn darkened structures into iconic symbols of their cities. For they not only aid in cost savings, urban recovery, and civic pride. For they provide truly meaningful innovations. Their survey results show that mayors recognize this. Moreover and we can help them take action.

In addition to lighting, retrofitting public buildings also ranked as a top priority. Especially in improving the energy efficiency of city infrastructure. Significantly, mayors expect to use their own local resources. That’s followed by partnerships with the private sector. Most importantly as the sources of financing these technologies. And in terms of the actual deployment of new technologies, survey findings reveal that more than seven in ten mayors believe their local utilities are now their city’s most important partner in doing so.

Mayors wants energy efficient technology

“Mayors remain optimistic about the energy technology marketplace, with two in three cities anticipating increased investment, whether it is for state-of-the-art lighting or solar energy systems. It is not only cities who have a stake in this success, but the U.S. economy when new industries prosper because of these homegrown efforts,” said USCM Energy Committee Chair Gresham (OR) Mayor Shane Bemis.

Of note, survey results also indicate that with recent weather events and associated power outages, three in four cities have developed plans to keep vital city services operating during sustained outages. Estimated within three years that nearly 90 percent of all cities surveyed expect to have such plans in place.

Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and Executive Director said, “This survey provides timely and useful information.  Especially on how mayors are leading in ways that save taxpayers money, reduce dependency on foreign energy, curb harmful air emissions, and grow jobs. In addition to businesses and the economy. With this survey data, we are establishing a record of local success that continues to build over time.

Their partnership with Philips – the Mayors’ Lighting Partnership and this survey effort. It is an example of how public-private collaborations can further mayoral leadership in this area.

About the Survey for Mayors

This report was prepared by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and sponsored by Philips. From November 25, 2013 through January 14, 2014, cities could complete the survey electronically, with 288 responses received by the deadline. By email, the Conference contacted nearly 1,400 mayors, most representing cities with a population of 30,000, requesting mayors to compete the survey. More than one in five mayors participated in the survey for a 21 percent response rate. We would like to thank all those who participated in the survey for their efforts and timely responses.

Sources: The United States Conference of Mayors , Royal Philips

Full Survey