The city of Austin is well known around the country for its dedication to implementing eco-friendly policies. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a much of a surprise to learn that the state recently awarded the city with $3.3 million to fund four renewable energy projects throughout the city. Although the projects do not directly involve the community of Steiner Ranch, many of Steiner Ranch’s residents will indirectly enjoy the benefits that these grants are providing.
The grant money, which is being provided through the first round of the state’s $52 million grant program, is being distributed through the State Energy Conservation Office. Each grant is meant to help Austin achieve its goal of increasing its renewable energy production to 10,000 megawatts by 2025.
Throughout the state, 32 public schools, governmental entities, public hospitals, universities, public colleges and government-owned utilities received funding through the competitive grant program. The Austin organizations that received funding include:
· Austin Community College – received $1,594,370 in funding, which will be used to install two grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems at the Eastview Campus and the Northridge Campus. Photovoltaic systems are capable of converting solar radiation into direct current electricity. The new system will help the college save a significant amount of money in terms of energy cost.
· Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – the Austin headquarters for the department received $986,986, which will be used to install a 92 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. The agency estimates the new system will help the department save about $17,500 per year in energy costs while also significantly reducing the number of megawatts used by the headquarters each year.
· Department of Texas Military Forces – the Camp Mabry facility in Austin received about $1 million to install solar panels on a carport that is located next to the camp headquarters.
The nearby city of Sunset Valley also received funding through the competitive grant program. In fact, the city received $141,000 to go toward the installation of solar panels in the city hall building.
The commitment to eco-friendly design and showcasing the beauty of nature is nothing new to Steiner Ranch residents. In fact, Steiner Ranch received “Best Master-Planned Community” honors from Austin Business Journal in 2004 due to its commitment to maintaining its natural surroundings. With the homes designed to make full use out of the natural light, residents can keep their energy costs low while still enjoying the many amenities the community and its homes have to offer.