Since 2001, Whatcom County has been focused on energy efficiency as a way to save money and benefit the environment.  One of the first projects, spearheaded by County Executive Pete Kremen, was to remove nearly half of the light bulbs in the County Courthouse.  While this may have seemed overzealous, research showed that in the 1980s and 1990s, buildings were substantially over-lit compared to the actual needs of the occupants.  This ambitious effort simply removed the unnecessary lighting.  

In addition, office heating temperatures were slightly reduced, and employees were asked to monitor energy consumption regarding lighting, computers, and personal appliances.  Although it took some effort to find an office temperature that kept employees comfortable without excessive energy use, together these operational processes brought tremendous energy savings.

At about the same time and with the help of Puget Sound Energy’s Conservation Grants as well as the implementation of equipment upgrades, the County began to further its conservation efforts.  This partnership led to installation of variable-speed fans for the HVAC system, lighting upgrades, and a full re-commissioning of the County Courthouse and Jail.  In some of the smaller facilities, high-efficiency furnaces and on-demand hot-water heaters were also installed for energy conservation. 

In total, these measures saved the County over $87,000 on utility bills in 2005 compared to 2000.  This has enabled Whatcom County to hire a full-time Conservation Resource Analyst to search for ways the County can further reduce waste and energy consumption in its operations.