Economic Development: Green/Energy Sustainability

Announcement January 8, 2010 Construction of a 24 unit townhome development, Avalon Commons, will begin in Columbus in the Spring of 2010. All units will be completed in 12 months. Columbus construction trade and other related vendors are encouraged to partner with Brookstone Homes on this development to provide quality work and a dependable schedule that can be relied on. Interested vendors should contact: Jason Hammen Brookstone Homes 262.567.5700 www.BrookstoneHomes.com/vendors/index.asp#

Columbus converts second hybrid fleet car to a PHEV The City of Columbus recently transformed its municipal services fleet by converting its second standard Toyota Prius hybrid fleet car to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at no cost to taxpayers. The electric battery conversion system was installed by Smart Toyota, Madison. A PHEV is a hybrid that is fitted with an additional battery that gives the vehicle the ability to be recharged from a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. Both standard hybrids and PHEVs are powered by a combination of electricity and liquid fuels; however, PHEVs draw their charge from the engine and captured brake energy, as well as from the electrical grid when they are plugged into an electrical outlet. The battery takes approximately five hours to charge in a standard outlet, which would cost the average electric customer less than 50 cents. "We are excited to add a second PHEV to our fleet and maximize our fuel economy while significantly reducing emissions that are harmful to the environment," Steve Sobiek, Director of Economic Development/Energy Sustainability, said. Columbus is one of only ten energy independent model communities, as designated by the State of Wisconsin. Plug-ins operate like any other standard Prius. PHEVs have traditional fuel tanks and internal combustion engines, so they do not face the range limitation of electric-only cars. As a result, the vehicles can travel up to 30 miles on electricity before using the standard, gas-electric operating system and get up to 100 miles per gallon or more. "The City of Columbus and Columbus Water & Light are committed to promoting energy efficiency and conservation," said Sobiek. "We believe that the PHEV technology offers immense benefits for our environment and our economy, including increased fuel efficiency, better mileage and reduced emissions." The City of Columbus and Columbus Water & Light were able to convert both standard Toyota Prius vehicles with incentives from its regional power supply company, WPPI Energy. In November 2008, Columbus Water & Light converted its first Toyota Prius to a PHEV, later adding a colorful car wrap of Columbus images, including redbud trees and City Hall. For more information, please contact Steve Sobiek at (920) 623-5900.

Columbus Arbor Day 2009 Celebrating Columbus’ leadership and commitment to sustainability! Mark Jansen, Nancy Olson, Eric Anthon, Steve Sobiek join representatives of the Columbus School’s 4th grade class in planting a Serviceberry tree in front of the Columbus water & Light’s Prius electric plug-in.

City of Columbus' New Electric Truck The City of Columbus Public Works Department took delivery of the City's new electric truck (pictured above). Manufactured by Columbia ParCar in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the truck will be used for park maintenance and public works functions. The vehicle has a hydraulic lift that can carry 1,000 pounds. Powered by electric batteries, the vehicle can attain a speed of 25-28 miles per hour, with a range of 150 miles when fully charged. The ParCar truck joins the City's two Prius hybrid plug-ins already in the City of Columbus fleet, including one owned by Columbus Water & Light (pictured below). Together, these vehicles demonstrate Columbus' commitment and leadership on energy sustainability, independence and conservation in an effort to reduce the City's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its use of non-renewable power sources. The truck was purchased with a $5,000 grant from WPPI Energy and assistance from Columbus Water & Light.

COLUMBUS GOES GREEN - Click here to read the WKOW TV news story about Columbus!

Green/Energy Sustainability The City of Columbus is a Green/Energy Sustainable Leader! Columbus was one of the first municipalities in Wisconsin to become an Energy Independent Community by pledging to work toward generating 25 percent of its electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025. As part of this, the City benchmarked its energy usage in all City facilities as we continue to implement energy conservation and sustainability. Toward this end, the City of Columbus is expected to purchase 15 percent of its electricity from green renewable resources in 2009, and purchased a Prius hybrid plug-in, and an electric truck for public works functions. Columbus was also among the first municipalities to adopt an NEV ordinance allowing electric cars on city streets in early 2008. The City is encouraging department heads to include alternative energy/hybrid vehicles in vehicle specs and bids. The most recent example of this is the recent purchase of a flex fuel Police vehicle that can run on both ethanol E-85 and gasoline. In 2008, the City began its energy sustainability and green efforts in earnest after receiving a two year grant, "Leading by Example" from Wisconsin Public Power Inc, the parent utility organization of Columbus Water & Light. In addition the City is receiving a grant from the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence to benchmark both City and community energy usage. Thanks to these grants, the City has began the following green/sustainability initiatives: It is our goal to become the first city in Wisconsin to convert its street lights to LED lighting, for a 75 percent energy savings. We expect to approve the first 25 percent phase-in of this project to begin in 2009. To cultivate a culture of sustainability, the new Columbus City Hall parking lot has been equipped with electric plug-ins to facilitate and encourage electric car usage. Toward this end, the City brought electric cars and trucks to Columbus for 3 different public information campaigns to encourage electric car usage. As a City we are encouraging the siting of green related businesses in Columbus, current businesses to be designated as green tourism businesses, and the building of both commercial and residential buildings and homes with Green and Sustainable design. To help lead Columbus energy sustainability efforts, the Greater Columbus Energy Task Force has been established to market the City's programs in this regard. Members will serve as spokespersons and ambassadors for the programs. The City also is providing bicycles at the Amtrak station in Columbus for Amtrak commuters to use to explore the city - a green transportation option that is free of charge. Lastly, Columbus is looking at incorporating sustainability in its revised zoning code and in designing/developing the new Westside Business Park. The business park is expected to include some of the following components : green space, wetland conservation, community gardens, bike paths, and recreational ball fields. Economic Development/Energy Sustainability Director Steven Sobiek City of Columbus 105 N. Dickason Blvd Columbus, WI 53925 920.296.7081 920.623.5901 FAX E-Mail: ssobiek@columbuswi.us

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