NBC29Staunton Continues to Go Green

Staunton Continues to Go Green

The efforts to "go green" in Staunton are diverse but city leaders say there's more work to be done.

"This city has been very forward looking both from an environmental standpoint and a conservation standpoint," said Staunton City Councilor Bruce Elder.

In the last 18 months, Staunton City Hall has cut energy use by 20 percent. Other city buildings have also seen double-digit drops, but Elder says new ways to save money and energy are needed.

Elder shared, "Some of the things we are looking at now for some of the public buildings are new, modern, air conditioning units that are more energy efficient."

Private developers are also being encouraged to do their part to "build green", including those looking to build on land currently occupied by Western State Hospital.

"We have certainly asked the development groups in our solicitation to consider modern building technologies, green planning and so forth," said Staunton Economic Development Director Bill Hamilton.

Hamilton says his office will do what it can to help new businesses be environmentally friendly. Hamilton said, "We'll look for any grant opportunities we can find to help encourage that, any tax credits, anything we can do to further that."

Elder hopes Staunton's cost-saving efforts trickle down to taxpayers. "Saving money and saving energy go hand in hand. Again, we're doing our part and we're hoping the citizens take our lead," stated Elder.

City workers are also looking for funds to replace current school crossing signals with solar powered units and are using water-based paints whenever possible.