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County reports 23% per-square-foot energy reduction since 2015; staff eyes solar expansion
Summary
Facilities staff reported a 9% reduction in energy use across county-managed buildings in 2024 and a roughly 23% per-square-foot reduction since 2015. The department plans seven EEM projects for 2025 and is studying solar options for county buildings.
Johnson County Facilities presented an Energy Consumption Management executive summary to the Board of County Commissioners on April 10 that showed measurable reductions in energy use and identified next steps including additional energy-efficiency projects and solar feasibility work.
Tony Baron, facilities staff, said the county decreased energy usage by 9% in 2024 and by about 23% per square foot since 2015 despite a 19% increase in electricity and natural gas prices. The department reported an avoided energy expense of $67,000 in 2024 and said the 2024 energy bill was $562 less than 2015 levels as measured in the presented summary.
Baron described the kBTU-per-square-foot trend: roughly 93 kBTU/sq ft in 2015 versus about 73 kBTU/sq ft at the end of 2024. Facilities said seven county buildings now rank in the top 25% of Energy Star categories and the department has a seven-step process for benchmarking, auditing and implementing Energy Efficiency Measure (EEM) projects.
Planned 2025 work includes seven funded EEM projects such as boiler replacements, HVAC control upgrades and supply fan conversions. Staff said they have performed a high-level solar study identifying 33 candidate buildings and are deep‑diving five buildings to evaluate structural, roof and code factors; staff said high‑use buildings (detention centers and other constant-use facilities) are likely initial priorities.
Commissioners asked about accelerating implementation, adding water audits to the dashboard, contracting capacity and sharing best practices with municipalities and other jurisdictions. Facilities staff said they are building regional networks with municipal facility managers, tracking potential reputable solar contractors and will coordinate further with the county manager’s office and budget staff before bringing specific solar projects forward for board consideration.
No formal board action was recorded; commissioners praised the results and encouraged continued acceleration where ROI and operational needs justify it.
