The NC State Energy Office awarded a Recovery Act energy grant to the Town of Wake Forest on Oct. 4, 2010. The Town utilized the funds to make energy efficient upgrades at the Wake Forest Community House, the Wake Forest Police Department, and the Northern Wake Senior Center.
In January 2011 the Town began using a portion of its Recovery Act funds to make energy efficiency improvements at the Wake Forest Community House, 133 W. Owen Ave. Upgrades to the facility included the installation of a solar water heater, an energy efficient heating and cooling system, subfloor insulation, and energy efficient windows and doors. These enhancements resulted in reduced energy usage, energy bills, and maintenance costs.
Three locals schools in the Wake County Public School System also benefitted from the grant, including West Lake Elementary, West Lake Middle, and Morrisville Elementary. The schools in/near Wake Forest have already been upgraded.
The Town of Wake Forest is a leader in energy savings, green technology and low impact development. We strive to conserve our resources by implementing cost efficient energy saving technology in all Town facilities. Through this grant, Wake Forest replaced 155 T-12 bulbs with LED's that will last over 50,000 hours and three Wake County Public Schools changed 8,801 existing florescent T-12 bulbs to T-8 bulbs that will last over 20,000 hours.
Additionally, the Town installed solar panels on a Town facility that will pay for all water and heating costs; insulate subflooring; and replace drafty windows and doors. These modifications will save approximately 113,851,375 kWh (388,477,015,549 BTU) per year, and reduce overall carbon emissions by 67,438 tons. This project will also retain/provide 59 jobs through ARRA Stimulus funds.
For more information, contact Assistant Town Engineer Holly Miller at 919-435-9443 or visit the State Energy Office website.