Energy Management

Property Management's energy management efforts focus on providing guidance and technical expertise to reduce energy costs through efficiency and conservation in County buildings. Baltimore County has both long and short term goals to reduce utility usage and costs and minimize our impact on the environment, with a focus on:

• Cost savings
• Efficiency
• Green design
• Energy conservation
• LEED certification

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development has been defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of current and future generations to meet their own needs. In 2020, the County developed design-build construction standards to integrate sustainability while carefully addressing feasibility. Specific requirements were established in:

• Lighting and electrical
• Water conservation
• Data center efficiencies
• HVAC systems
• Renewable energy
• Low-emitting materials
• Building envelope

LEED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

The County strives to include efficient and environmentally-friendly building techniques for new construction. Recent energy efficiencies and savings include:

• Energy Efficient Measures—Between FY15 through FY21, the County reduced millions of kilowatts of energy consumption, received cost savings and attained BGE incentives.
• The County has been working with BGE on converting BGE-owned and County-owned streetlights to LED by FY24.
• Lighting Efficiency Retrofit Project—The County recently completed LED lighting retrofits in 15 facilities. The 504,000 kWh in energy savings will pay for the project in 1.91 years. The project will generate $65,500 in estimated annual cost savings for a 10-year life of measure.
• Demand Response—The County is enrolled in two energy consumption reduction programs, the Demand Smart program (for Red Day Alerts) and the Demand Response program, which are designed to reduce pressure on the electricity grid, and in return, the County avoids peak energy charges and receives compensation. 
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued an Executive Order requiring all newly-constructed County facilities or major renovations to be completed to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or higher.

GREEN COUNTY BUILDINGS

Current LEED-certified buildings include:

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency programs and initiatives—as well as passive building design features, including building orientation—are key to:

• Reducing demand and increasing the feasibility of providing energy entirely through renewable and sustainable resources
• Rewarding energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy in the design, construction, and improvement of buildings and homes
• Promote environmental stewardship to match housing and population growth

COOPERATIVE ENERGY PURCHASING

The County is an active participant with the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC). The most successful effort has been the purchase of electricity and natural gas. BRCPC has utilized the portfolio approach to manage risk and secure competitive market prices. BRCPC, through the guidance of an energy consultant, uses the State license and PJM membership of a transactional contractor to make wholesale market purchases on the grid. Learn more about renewable energy purchasing.

MARYLAND SMART ENERGY COMMUNITIES (MSEC)

In FY20, the County was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to participate in the Maryland Smart Energy Communities (MSEC) program, which encourages local governments to adopt smart energy policies and goals, leading to energy savings and renewable energy projects. The funding will be utilized for an energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and LED lighting for the Reisterstown Library renovation project.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE GREEN AT WORK ENERGY CHALLENGE

The two-month 2021 Sustainability Challenge awards points and recognition to County employees who conserve energy, reduce waste and practice sustainability in their workplaces and homes.