1. Presented By: Karina Cardoza

2. About Hidalgo County Funding: EECBG Program Utilization of Funds Pct. 2 Complex Data Tracking Green Components Project Goal: Going Green Other EECBG Projects 3. Located in South Texas along the U. S.-Mexico border Population - 774,769Seventh most-populous county in Texas Considered one of the fastest-growingcounties in the United States County seat Edinburg, Texas McAllen-Mission-EdinburgMSA 4. Stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Enabled the county to begin implementation of green and energy efficient projects Fundedby a $3.5 million grant from the Department of Energy under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) 5. Pct. 2 Multi-Purpose Center utilized approximately $822,000 toconstruct a high performance energy-efficient complex First government facility in the Rio Grande Valley constructedusing energy-efficient materials Uses a combination of solar lighting, wind turbines andphotovoltaic systems to conserve energy and curtail spending 6. Goal for this particular project was to: Improve the manner in which buildings in Hidalgo County are designed, built, and operated To enable an environmentally-responsible, healthy and prosperous livelihood that will improve the quality of life for residents in Hidalgo County. 7. TheMulti-Purpose Facility houses: Administrative offices of Pct. 2 CommissionerHector Tito Palacios Health and Human Services clinic W.I.C. clinic Substation for the tax assessor-collector Pct. 2 Constables Office Pct. 2 Justices of the Peace Offices Serves more than 1,000 people daily 8. 5 wind turbines capable of producing a total of1,250 Kw to 2,000 Kw per month Two solar panel trellises, expected to produce anaverage of 4,626 Kw per month of electricity 71 LED solar powered lights for the parkinglot, save approximately 12,000 Kw of power permonth based on dusk until dawn operations The wind turbines and the photovoltaic solarsystem are connected directly to the Pct. 2Administration Buildings electrical grid 9. GreenBuilding Components Include: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) exterior walls Recycled content metal doors/frames Vinyl tile flooring Ceiling suspension systems Plastic laminates Paperless gypsum sheetrock Low VOC interior and exterior paints Energy-saving occupant sensor lights Low water consumption plumbing fixtures 10. Held in February 2011 Localofficials Flipped the Switch in lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting. 11. Elementary & middle school students from local schools were given a tour of facility and green hands-on demonstrations and activities 12. The students heard presentationsfrom vendors and other greenorganizations on energyefficiency ideas for thehome, recycling, energy productionand consumption, wind and solarpower, and groundwater runoff. 13. Results: The project created approximately 300 temporary construction jobs over the course of the 10 month building period and an estimated 10 permanent jobs. Cost savings to the County is estimated at approximately $30,000 a year 14. Results: Reduced consumption of natural resources Minimized environmental impacts Increased the productivity of building occupants, Decreased maintenance and utility expenses Provided an energy-efficient building within the constraints of typical construction budgets. 15. Live data energy savings Real time tracking Track data through variousgraphs Learn how solar energy works viawebsite Public can view: Total Energy Generated Current Solar Generation Per month, year, & minute 16. We hope this complex will become aneducational resource for current and futuregenerations in Hidalgo County Educate the community about solar andwind energy, teaching them how it works Allow people to see how green energy canwork for them 17. Thisproject has proved most successful and the County is hoping to model future construction in the same green fashion The Pct. 2 complex has set the standard for green construction in our County and in the Rio Grande Valley 18. Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy (EECS) County is currently in the process of developing anEECS Will guide the County in the implementation of newtechnologies and policies that will result in energysavings Will include recommendations for energy savings inCounty facilities, as well identify programs that can beadopted to enhance energy efficiency andconservation in the community. 19. Renewable Energy Sources in County Parks Replacing park lights with solar lighting 6 parks in Pct. 3 have made the changes Anzalduas Park in Pct 3 Savings of $5-$7,000 a month Additional benefit helps federalagencies protect the border Pct. 1 is currently making the same transition, utilizing other funding (Urban County) 20. Solar Lighting in Colonias Colonias are rural residential areas lacking basicliving necessities such as potable water & sewersystems, electricity, paved roads, and safe &sanitary housing Over 600 colonias in Hidalgo County County has paved roads & connect to basicinfrastructure via federal, state, & local funding Solarstreet lights create safer environment for residents 21. Energy Efficiency Retrofits Outfitting all Hidalgo County offices and facilities withLED lighting LED lights Consume less energy Resulting in huge power savings up to 20% compared to conventional lights Long-lasting, environmentally friendly 22. Solar-Powered Generators Provide backup power at remote locations Reliable Provide electricity to anything from computers tomedical response vehicles when the power gridfails Do not require gasoline Zero emissions Ideal for use in emergency situations 23. HidalgoCounty benefitted tremendously from the partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. HidalgoCounty will continue advancing green initiatives and remain a leader promoting sustainable efforts in our community. Sustainability is our FUTURE!