This document discusses Hidalgo County's use of $3.5 million in federal stimulus funds through the EECBG Program to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It focuses on the construction of the Precinct 2 Multi-Purpose Center, which uses solar, wind, and LED lighting to reduce energy costs. The Center serves as a model for green building and educates the community on sustainability. Hidalgo County plans to continue its green initiatives through additional energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects.

1. Presented By: Karina Cardoza

2.  About Hidalgo County
 Funding: EECBG Program
 Utilization of Funds
 Pct. 2 Complex
 Data Tracking
 Green Components
 Project Goal: Going Green
 Other EECBG Projects

3.  Located in South Texas along the U. S.-
Mexico border
 Population - 774,769
Seventh most-populous county in Texas
 Considered one of the fastest-growing
counties in the United States
 County seat – Edinburg, Texas
 McAllen-Mission-Edinburg
MSA

4.  Stimulus
funding from the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009
 Enabled the county to begin implementation of
“green” and energy efficient projects
 Funded by a $3.5 million grant from the
Department of Energy under the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG)

5.  Pct. 2 Multi-Purpose Center utilized approximately $822,000 to
construct a high performance energy-efficient complex
 First government facility in the Rio Grande Valley constructed
using energy-efficient materials
 Uses a combination of solar lighting, wind turbines and
photovoltaic systems to conserve energy and curtail spending

6.  Goal for this particular project was to:
• Improve the manner in which buildings in Hidalgo
County are designed, built, and operated
• To enable an environmentally-responsible, healthy
and prosperous livelihood that will improve the
quality of life for residents in Hidalgo County.

7.  The Multi-Purpose Facility houses:
• Administrative offices of Pct. 2 Commissioner
Hector “Tito” Palacios
• Health and Human Services clinic
• W.I.C. clinic
• Substation for the tax assessor-collector
• Pct. 2 Constable’s Office
• Pct. 2 Justices of the Peace Offices
 Serves more than 1,000 people daily

8.  5 wind turbines capable of producing a total of
1,250 Kw to 2,000 Kw per month
 Two solar panel trellises, expected to produce an
average of 4,626 Kw per month of electricity
 71 LED solar powered lights for the parking
lot, save approximately 12,000 Kw of power per
month based on dusk until dawn operations
 The wind turbines and the photovoltaic solar
system are connected directly to the Pct. 2
Administration Building’s electrical grid

9.  Green Building Components Include:
• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) exterior walls
• Recycled content metal doors/frames
• Vinyl tile flooring
• Ceiling suspension systems
• Plastic laminates
• Paperless gypsum sheetrock
• Low VOC interior and exterior paints
• Energy-saving occupant sensor lights
• Low water consumption plumbing fixtures

10.  Held in February 2011
 Localofficials “Flipped the Switch” in lieu of
a traditional ribbon-cutting.

11.  Elementary & middle school students from
local schools were given a tour of facility
and “green” hands-on demonstrations and
activities

12.  The students heard presentations
from vendors and other green
organizations on energy
efficiency ideas for the
home, recycling, energy production
and consumption, wind and solar
power, and groundwater runoff.

13.  Results:
• The project created approximately 300 temporary
construction jobs over the course of the 10 month
building period and an estimated 10 permanent
jobs.
• Cost savings to the County is estimated at
approximately $30,000 a year

14.  Results:
• Reduced consumption of natural resources
• Minimized environmental impacts
• Increased the productivity of building occupants,
• Decreased maintenance and utility expenses
• Provided an energy-efficient building within the
constraints of typical construction budgets.

15.  Live data energy savings
 Real time tracking
 Track data through various
graphs
 Learn how solar energy works via
website
 Public can view:
• Total Energy Generated
• Current Solar Generation
 Per month, year, & minute

17.  We hope this complex will become an
educational resource for current and future
generations in Hidalgo County
 Educate the community about solar and
wind energy, teaching them how it works
 Allow people to see how green energy can
work for them

18.  Thisproject has proved most successful
and the County is hoping to model future
construction in the same “green” fashion
 The Pct. 2 complex has set the standard
for “green” construction in our County and
in the Rio Grande Valley

19.  Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy
(EECS)
• County is currently in the process of developing an
EECS
• Will guide the County in the implementation of new
technologies and policies that will result in energy
savings
• Will include recommendations for energy savings in
County facilities, as well identify programs that can be
adopted to enhance energy efficiency and
conservation in the community.

20.  Renewable Energy Sources in County
Parks
• Replacing park lights with solar lighting
• 6 parks in Pct. 3 have made the changes
• Anzalduas Park in Pct 3
 Savings of $5-$7,000 a month
 Additional benefit – helps federal
agencies protect the border
• Pct. 1 is currently making the same transition, utilizing
other funding (Urban County)

21.  Solar Lighting in Colonias
• Colonias are rural residential areas lacking basic
living necessities such as potable water & sewer
systems, electricity, paved roads, and safe &
sanitary housing
• Over 600 colonias in Hidalgo County
• County has paved roads & connect to basic
infrastructure via federal, state, & local funding
 Solarstreet lights create safer
environment for residents

22.  Energy Efficiency Retrofits
• Outfitting all Hidalgo County offices and facilities with
LED lighting
• LED lights
 Consume less energy
 Resulting in huge power savings – up to 20% compared to
conventional lights
 Long-lasting, environmentally –
friendly

23.  Solar-Powered Generators
• Provide backup power at remote locations
• Reliable
• Provide electricity to anything from computers to
medical response vehicles when the power grid
fails
• Do not require gasoline
• Zero emissions
• Ideal for use in emergency situations

24.  HidalgoCounty benefitted tremendously
from the partnership with the U.S.
Department of Energy.
 HidalgoCounty will continue advancing
green initiatives and remain a leader
promoting sustainable efforts in our
community.
 Sustainability is our FUTURE!