HRCA Going Green
The HRCA continues to strive daily in setting the standards for a “greener” community by continually researching opportunities to make the HRCA more energy efficient, not just short-term, but long-term as well. The completion of a large Energy Savings Project (see details) now saves the HRCA approximately $173,000 per year in utility costs, and is equivalent to a reduction of 6.4 million vehicle miles driven. Examples of the 'going green' effort include:
- Installation of efficient water heating systems
- Use water saving for toilets, urinals, sinks, and showers
- Use solar panels at the Recreation Centers at Eastridge and Westridge
- Purchase and lease hybrid vehicles
- Program HVAC units to heat and cool as needed
- Use energy efficient lighting and motion sensors in all recreation centers
- Recycle electronics, paper, plastics, dry cell batteries, and aluminum
- Use mulching mowers
- Use computerized weather based irrigation controllers for landscapes
- Maintain a Xeriscape demonstration garden at the Recreation Center at Eastridge
- Maintain native grasses around the Recreation Center at Southridge
- Host annual community electronics recycling drop-off events
see more examples and details on HRCA's energy conservation efforts
Greening Our Community - Resources for You
Join us in conserving resources and remember that living "green" means making healthy, earth-friendly choices that are good for the environment and also good for your health. Below are resources to help you make your personal commitment to living a greener life.
Here are helpful links to take action and simplify your life:
Energy Efficient Home Improvements and the HRCA
While the HRCA encourages the use of energy efficient devices based on renewable resources, it must balance that with its responsibility to improve and enhance the attractiveness, desirability, and safety of the community. Therefore, it is important to understand the requirements and approvals needed when installing these energy saving devices:
Calculate your carbon footprint using the following tools:
Tri-County Health Department Pages
Other links
Environmental Resources for Kids and Teachers