2011 Alliance Award Winner - Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation

In 2009, the Town of Oro Valley conducted an Investment Grade Energy Analysis of Town facilities as part of the ARRA (American Recovery Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program. The audit included identification of energy saving upgrades to Town facilities and was designed to aid in short- and long-range planning to insure all future expenditures for energy use provide an appropriate return on investment.

The application required development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) and specific implementation items that are appropriately prioritized.  Nationally, most jurisdictions do not have such programs in place – so one may apply for a partial or whole disbursement to fund such planning. With the aim of preserving monies for tangible improvement to Town facilities, Oro Valley staff produced the EECS. 

In support of the Town’s commitment to sustainability, staff and APS Energy Services, a consultant, developed a strategy for facility improvements. The internal review team for the strategy included a number of departments, including: Finance, Water Utility, Public Works, Town Manager’s Office, Parks & Recreation, Building Safety, and the Office of Conservation & Sustainability.