DeKalb County unveils ambitious clean energy transition plan with Southface partnership

DeKalb County is set to make significant strides in clean energy and sustainability following a recent OPS Committee meeting where project managers from Southface presented a comprehensive clean energy transition plan. The plan aims to enhance energy efficiency across county buildings and engage the community in sustainable practices.

Spencer Clifford, project manager at Southface, highlighted key components of the plan, including the establishment of a sustainability officer at the deputy COO level and the formation of an Environmental Justice and Sustainability Board. These initiatives are designed to ensure effective implementation and oversight of the county's clean energy goals.

The plan outlines several ambitious targets, including a 30% reduction in energy consumption in county buildings by 2030 and the installation of electric vehicle chargers by 2026. Additionally, the county aims to achieve 50% clean energy in its buildings by the end of 2025, leveraging available federal and state funding opportunities.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the planning process, with four sessions held to gather input from residents. Feedback indicated strong interest in programs like community solar and weatherization initiatives, which aim to empower residents to make informed energy decisions.

The proposed sustainability officer will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts across departments and ensuring that the county meets its clean energy objectives. The plan also emphasizes the importance of data collection and management to track progress and inform future decisions.

As DeKalb County moves forward with this plan, the anticipated outcomes include not only environmental benefits but also substantial cost savings. An estimated investment of $41 million is projected to yield annual savings of $5.2 million, demonstrating the financial viability of the clean energy initiatives.

The OPS Committee is expected to review the plan further in upcoming meetings, with hopes of finalizing and adopting the resolution soon. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward a more sustainable future for DeKalb County, aligning with broader environmental goals and community needs.