Antone's Nightclub
Austin Not Going Green
RECEIVED Tue., June 22, 2010
Dear Editor,
A small story in your June 18 issue about Austin Water and its environmental policy piqued my interest [“Naked City,” News]. It was notable not for what it said, but for what it didn't.
The article lauded a new computer system that will save energy and money. While it sounds like a great project, it would be good if it were understood in context. Water utilities across America are energy guzzlers, and Austin's is no different. Estimating energy use from the numbers printed in the Chronicle, the savings from the computer system will amount to less than one-half of 1% of total water/wastewater system electric use in Austin.
More importantly, my own analysis of Austin Water data from fiscal years 2002 through 2009 reveals no discernible pattern of energy savings. The utility's "key indicators" of kilowatt hours of use per million gallons of water and wastewater have essentially been level throughout this time period. And the utility's commitment to convert to 100% green power has been almost ignored.
A small story in your June 18 issue about Austin Water and its environmental policy piqued my interest [“Naked City,” News]. It was notable not for what it said, but for what it didn't.
The article lauded a new computer system that will save energy and money. While it sounds like a great project, it would be good if it were understood in context. Water utilities across America are energy guzzlers, and Austin's is no different. Estimating energy use from the numbers printed in the Chronicle, the savings from the computer system will amount to less than one-half of 1% of total water/wastewater system electric use in Austin.
More importantly, my own analysis of Austin Water data from fiscal years 2002 through 2009 reveals no discernible pattern of energy savings. The utility's "key indicators" of kilowatt hours of use per million gallons of water and wastewater have essentially been level throughout this time period. And the utility's commitment to convert to 100% green power has been almost ignored.
Paul Robbins