The Lewis Library and Technology Center was designed and constructed to meet strict environmental standards.
On a warm summer evening, not long ago, dozens of residents from Area 2 were gathered for their quarterly Community Meeting. As most meetings go, discussion topics included area events, crime statistics, and traffic updates, but in a sign of growing global awareness, one woman raised her hand and asked, “Is Fontana going green?” The lively discussion that followed showed the level of interest there is on the local level to save a little extra cash and help the environment at the same time.
Is Fontana going green?
The question of the hour really should be how is Fontana going green? Due to statewide regulation requirements all municipal governments are required to reduce greenhouse emissions in order to comply with the state’s adoption of AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. The process in Fontana has led not only to a reduction in greenhouse emission but in many ways, is helping to reduce operational costs.
“We are always looking for ways to save,” says Dan Chadwick, manager of public works support services division, adding, “These include ways to reduce our energy costs.”
Big changes have included the 93,000 square foot, $60 million regional Lewis Library and Technology Center, which was designed and constructed with an aim of achieving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver or gold rating. The City has also supported the addition of hybrid vehicles, the installation of energy efficient lighting and air conditioning equipment, and a safer underground storage tank.
Smaller changes are just as evident. The City of Fontana has started an environmentally preferred system that uses electronic forms in the purchasing department. The department also purchases recycled materials. Developers and builders are encouraged to build green or make changes to their existing practices. Fontana is also participating in the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) Reimbursement Grant Program which requires the use of asphalt rubber aggregate membrane which recycles approximately 500 tires per lane of mile application.
Adds Chadwick, “Going green means saving money and helping the environment. We encourage simple changes in the ways things are done such as replacing regular light bulbs with energy saving bulbs or adding motion sensors.”
The city is currently working with Southern California Edison to conduct an energy audit of all of its facilities. The audit will identify further ways the city can save on its energy costs.
The city fleet has also made several changes to run cleaner diesel fleets and is looking at grants for alternative fuel vehicles.
“A lot of the changes we are making have to do with employee education,” adds Butch Smith, fleet supervisor for the Public Works department.
“We have a five minute idle rule which is helping to eliminate idle time and extra gas consumption. We encourage employees to use group carpools and when we need to purchase vehicles we are looking at hybrids or downsizing larger vehicles with compact vehicles,” says Smith.
The fleet now utilizes three hybrid vehicles but planning for the purchase of vehicles is due in the upcoming year and more are a possibility.
“Hybrids would certainly be at the top of the list for the replacements but we have to look at the budget and how the cars operate as public safety vehicles,” adds Smith.
The City has also had some successes with conservation efforts in parks and landscaping.
In 2008, Public Works was awarded a check for $94,087.50 from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for participating in the Water Conservation Pilot Project which included the installation of a new computer controlled irrigation system. In some areas, such as the Lewis Sports Complex, grass was completely replaced with artificial turf.
How to become more sustainable at home
There are three rules for recycling and the City of Fontana has a recycling program that is behind them all the way.
“Community involvement is through sustainability,” says Tony Mata, environmental control supervisor for the Public Works department, adding, “Residents who want to become green need to reduce, reuse, and recycle in that order. The priority should be to ask yourself, do you need it? Can it be reused? Can it be recycled? Learning to be aware of these three rules, as consumers, will help us all to have more sustainable lifestyles.”
Mata also suggests that families take energy audits of their homes and take personal responsibility for making changes. Small steps include looking at what you need to replace and make a more environmentally friendly choice based on research. The Environmental team is a valuable resource when considering changes for the home. The group even offers shower retro-fit kits for homes built before 1992. Mata suggests residents simply act with caution.
“There are a couple of websites that review environmental products. They serve as consumer watchdogs and give certifications for environmentally friendly products. There are a few companies out there who say they are green but these websites will let you know if they really are – it pays to be informed,” says Mata.
Fontana is now a three time Cans for Cash national recycling winner.
Green County San Bernardino is a great resource for anyone looking for tax incentives for going solar, buying a new car, or even to change their water and gas usage. The site also offers information about area businesses and the Green Valley Initiative of which Fontana is a participating jurisdiction. Thanks to city programs listed in this article, and many more, city departments are working with each other to change the future.
Where to turn for assistance or more information
Featured in the April 2009 Edition of Community Connection
