Climate Showcase

Climate Showcase Communities

The City of Columbia Office of Sustainability and Columbia Water & Light have received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), Climate Showcase Communities

The City’s Grant Award, titled “City Green: The District” will work cooperatively with downtown businesses and building owners to reduce energy usage downtown.

February 2012 video update: See what we've accomplished!

City Green: The District - September 2011 video

City Green: The District

The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the economic viability of downtown (The District) businesses by implementing energy efficiency measures that will reduce costs. "City Green” will include energy assessments of buildings, implementation of energy efficiency measures along with an educational and promotional campaign.

There are three steps of City Green: The District

Energy benchmarking (Completed)

Utility usage for the past two years has been bench marked into the EPA’s Portfolio Manager.
Columbia Water & Light will provide businesses’ energy use compared to similar businesses both in the District and nationally.

Energy audits (2 options)

A walk-through energy audit or ASHRAE Level I energy audit will be performed on an estimated 50 buildings.
An ASHRAE Level II energy audit will be conducted on an estimated 25 buildings. Calculations will be performed to determine the payback on the suggestions.
To participate: energy audit funding application and W-9 tax ID form

Energy retrofits

Upon completion of the energy audit phase all energy conservation measures that have a 10 year or less simple payback will be eligible for funding - up to 50% of the cost of the measure.
Columbia Water & Light also offers rebates and low interest loans for a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades to help you minimize the cost of the improvements.
To participate: application to set aside funds for energy efficiency measures

Who’s participating in City Green: The District?

Download a list of participants

In the News

Columbia Tribune 4/16/11

Columbia Business Times 7/8/11

Columbia Missourian 9/4/11

Informational Presentations

Business Energy Use Bench Marking

Commercial Electric Rates: Understanding the What, Why and How of Your Electric Bill