Clean Energy

In September of 2017 the Sustainable Advisory Committee (SAC) submitted to Borough Council a proposed clean energy resolution committing the Borough to 100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heat and transportation by 2050. Borough Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and the SAC has hit the ground running to draft a plan on how to achieve these goals. 

Milestones

  • 2008 – Borough facilities are powered by renewable energy through purchase of bundled wind renewable energy credits, currently under contract through 2022
  • 2009 – Installed a 72kW solar canopy on the roof of the Chestnut Street Garage (see live energy production dashboard)
  • 2010 – Council approves Climate Action Plan – commits to reducing GHG emissions in the borough by 10% in 10 years (2005 to 2015).  An 11% emissions reduction was achieved.
  • 2017 – resolution passed to set goals to transition to 100% renewable energy for the community
  • 2018 – Joined with West Chester Area Council of Governments municipalities to issue an RFP for a regional energy plan to transition to 100% renewable energy
  • 2019 - Hired the Cadmus Group to complete Energy Transition Plan for West Chester Area Council of Governments
  • 2020 – Accepted the Cadmus plan, approved the formation of a Community Engagement initiative in collaboration with representatives from the other EAC/SAC members of the West Chester Area Council of Governments
  • 2021 - Staff coordinate a two-year energy procurement contract cutting energy costs by $85,000 while maintaining West Chester's commitment to buying clean energy
  • 2022 - Borough procures additional hybrid vehicles for administrative fleets
  • 2023 - Staff achieve a 30% reduction in energy use at Borough Hall through retro-commisioning of major building systems, saving $12,000 per year
  • 2024 - Borough Council adopted an EV-ready ordinance, stipulating new homes and garages prepare for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, while requiring EV charging infrastructure be installed at commercial and multifamily properties
  • 2025 - Borough Council executes LOU with DVRPC to explore energy "benchmarking" requirements for large buildings in West Chester, mimicking benchmarking success of state and local laws throughout the United States, in reducing energy usage


Chestnut Street Garage Energy Dashboard - click to see LIVE

Solar Dash