Mayor Ducey Pushes for Brick Energy Audit, Other 'Green' Initiatives

Among the many initiatives newly inducted Mayor John Ducey is hoping to accomplish in his first 100 days in office is a push for green initiatives.

The ideas range from simply increasing the amount of recycling that is collected and replacing less energy-efficient lighting fixtures in and around municipal buildings.

But other ideas include a township-wide energy audit to reduce energy dependence and cut utility costs, wrote Ducey in his complete plan, published online here.

Energy audits often examine the use of electricity and other utility waste, such as whether buildings are being lit although they are closed, whether trash and recycling are being collected efficiently, or whether alternative energy would be cost-effective to power municipal services.

In his welcome speech during his swearing in as the new Democrat Mayor of Brick, Ducey mentioned government efficiency, Hurricane Sandy rebuilding, and a more open government were key priorities. Itemized in sections, the online 100-Day Plan goes into more initiatives, listing 71 items total.

Under "Environmental Go Green" section of goals, Ducey lists the following things he hopes Brick can accomplish:

Conduct Township-wide energy audit to reduce energy dependence and cut utility costs.

Create an aggressive public education program on the benefits of recycling, including the tremendous cost savings to the taxpayers for avoiding tipping fees for garbage disposal.

Increase recycling in Town Hall and other Township owned facilities.

Continue to replace traditional lighting fixtures with more energy efficient lighting fixtures (street lighting, traffic signals, and public buildings and facilities).

Work to obtain certification with Sustainable New Jersey, which will qualify Brick to receive grant funding.

In addition, Ducey told the Asbury Park Press he would like to explore energy aggregation. However the township is locked into a contract with the contractor for the solar panels at French's Landfill.  

Brick's contract with the company, Standard Alternatives, sets rates they must purchase electricity from the site. Brick must pay rate of 8.75 cents per kilowatt hour, but th township is seeking a rate of about 7 cents per kilowatt hour through the aggregation program, Ducey said.