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Builders innovate to save energy

Green technology is being used to build new headquarters for the county's agricultural extension service. It's more expensive but conservationists like it.

By ASJYLYN LODER
Published July 31, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando County may soon get its first "green" government building.

The county's agricultural extension service, which is slated to replace its crumbling headquarters on the south side of Brooksville, plans to build its new offices using recycled materials, as well as landscape and engineering innovations designed to save water and energy, said Donna Peacock, director of the extension service.

Environmentally sustainable buildings are becoming an increasingly popular way to cut energy costs as oil prices continue to climb. Throughout the nation and in Florida, local governments are building "green" libraries, schools, fire stations, police departments and administration buildings.

"Green is not a fad," Peacock said. "I think it's fast becoming a wise business decision for local and state governments."

Peacock plans to use recycled building materials, install a donated solar hot water heater, plant "Florida friendly" landscaping that uses less water, and equip the building with energy-efficient windows, zoned air conditioning and motion-detecting lights.

While energy-efficient buildings can save money in the long run, short-term costs can be prohibitively high, said county budget director George Zoettlein.

"There's payback, but the payback is over the 30-year period," he said.

Peacock initially asked for $5-million for the new headquarters, but managed to pare down costs to $3.2-million by agreeing to a smaller building. She also agreed to complete the construction in phases, with only $1.7-million set aside in next year's budget.

Given the cost, she might have to forgo some of the expensive, eco-friendly upgrades, Zoettlein said. He's hoping she can borrow designs from other green buildings and have some of the construction materials donated.

Some of the green measures - like the energy-efficient windows and air-conditioning - do cost more, Peacock said. But other features, like recycled building materials and light timers, aren't necessarily more expensive, she said. She's also looking for grants to help offset construction costs.

"It's a great idea; we're just going to have to be practical in how we do it," said County Administrator Gary Kuhl.

Pat Fagan, the county's parks and recreation director, oversees county facilities, including what the county spends to heat and cool buildings. He didn't have exact numbers Friday, but said, "I can tell you that fuel costs have increased drastically in the last year."

For that reason, the county has already started to look at fuel-efficient technologies to help reduce costs, Fagan said. "In the future, we will be looking at every option that we possibly can to conserve energy," he said.

Kuhl agreed, but said that short-term increase in construction costs will have to be weighed against the long-term energy savings. "We need to consider this in any future building. It's just balancing costs with any new approach."

Local governments in Gainesville, Miami-Dade County and Sarasota County are already going green, Peacock pointed out. The University of Florida has also invested in sustainable buildings.

In 2004, Chicago committed to constructing all new city buildings using green technology. The "Chicago Standard," as it is known, has been applied to the planning or building of 11 libraries, six fire stations, five police stations and four public schools, among other public buildings, said Larry Merritt, spokesman for the city's Department of Environment. The buildings help preserve the environment, reduce air pollution and save energy costs, he said.

Sustainable measures used in the building of Chicago's Center for Green Technology include a planted roof that helps cool the building in summer and insulate it in winter, timed lights, a passive solar heating system and a cistern that catches rainwater and uses it to irrigate the grounds, according to its Web site.

Peacock hoped that her building, which will be built on the current site near the Hernando County Fairgrounds, will become a "living laboratory" where local homeowners and builders can learn about sustainable innovations. Construction on the new building, which will include classrooms and offices, is scheduled to begin in 2007.

She pointed to Hernando's recent water restrictions, blackouts in St. Louis and New York, and record-setting heat waves throughout the country as reasons for Hernando to start conserving.

"I just think it makes sense right now to build green."

Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Asjylyn Loder can be reached at aloder@sptimes.com or 352754-6127.

[Last modified July 30, 2006, 21:51:23]