Headline

WRT is assisting the City of Biloxi, Mississippi to prepare a citywide Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) within the requirements of the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The Biloxi Energy Strategy will focus on reducing energy consumption in existing and planned municipal buildings as well as educating the public about best practices and the potential for energy conservation in residential and commercial buildings.

Biloxi recently completed its Comprehensive Plan—also developed by WRT—which includes strategies and actions to improve energy efficiency, encourage green building/renovations, and promote multi-modal transportation patterns. These strategies, developed with public input, will be used to establish the overall vision and goals for the EECS.

As part of the strategy development, WRT will collaborate with CTG Energetics, which will conduct building audits designed to identify low-cost, no-cost, and potential capital energy improvement opportunities that have short payback and high return. The improvements to Biloxi's public buildings are being considered as pilot projects in this first phase of the project. As the energy efficiency improvements are completed, Biloxi will track cost savings and make the information widely available to residents and other municipalities. Public receptions, events, tours, and a website campaign are being considered to promote public awareness and encourage residential and commercial property owners to make similar improvements. Other items that may be included in the strategy include: energy-efficiency lighting in parking lots, increased bike/walk options, improvements to the city's vehicle fleet, and partnerships with the local utility agencies aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy.