Dallas approves projects to further city council climate goals
Climate action projects span solar roof installations on three City properties and deployment of $300,000 of air quality sensor equipment in the Texan city.
The Dallas City Council has approved projects to advance the City’s Comprehensive Environmental Climate Action Plan (CECAP) goals.
A $1m project proposed by the Building Services Department will involve installing solar panels at three City facilities while the purchase of more than $300,000 of air quality sensor equipment was also approved.
Solar locations
The solar panels will be installed at the Fretz Park Recreation Centre, Dallas West Branch Library and the Pleasant Oaks Recreation Centre. Total energy generated from these three solar projects is estimated to be 15,722,481 kWh and would offset approximately 12,282 tons of carbon dioxide over 25 years.
“As Dallas celebrates Earth Day this month, Wednesday’s actions by the City Council show R E A L investment that is responsible, equitable, accountable and legitimate in support of our ambitious CECAP, which has made Dallas a leader and national model for sustainability,” said city manager TC Broadnax.
“This decision demonstrates the City’s commitment to combatting climate change and realising a healthier and more sustainable environment, particularly for our underserved communities”
The city council reports that this project will reduce approximately 57 per cent of the total energy currently used by the three facilities. The City is entering into a contract with Ameresco for installation of the panels.
“This city council vote is another step in the right direction of reducing the carbon footprint of City facilities,” said Building Services interim director John Johnson. “By continuing to engage in projects that increase our facilities’ utilisation of renewable energy, the City’s goals of carbon neutrality will be closer to reality.”
”The Dallas City Council’s investments in these enhancements to City-owned facilities will result in significant and measurable progress toward our CECAP goals,” said Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS) director Carlos Evans. “This decision demonstrates the City’s commitment to combatting climate change and realising a healthier and more sustainable environment, particularly for our underserved communities.”
OEQS’ CECAP was passed unanimously by the city council in 2020 after a robust and inclusive community outreach and engagement effort. The plan outlines specific actions the city can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental quality in every zip code within the city.
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