Quality of Life in the Future

"This is one of the principal challenges of our decade. We will be judged either harshly or generously by future generations on how we handle this."- Mayor Martin Chávez, National Hydrogen Association's Renewables to Hydrogen Forum

   

Leading the Way, Nationally

In March 2006, Mayor Chávez was part of the Green Ribbon Commission Meeting in Seattle together with Al Gore and Seattle Mayor Nickels.

        

Take Action

• Sign up to use wind power through the PNM Sky Blue program.
• Research solar energy at the New Mexico Solar Energy Association.

More ideas >> 

 

As evidence mounts in the global warming debate, Mayor Chávez is focused on alternative energy options for Albuquerque's future.

What are we doing? How is the City conserving energy? Read on!

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy that does not require burning fossil fuels to create electricity. Mayor Chávez has directed the use of renewable energy whenever possible, and the City has responded with the following achievements:

• Wind Power – 20% of City’s electricity is derived from wind power! Read more>>
• Solar Thermal – The City of Albuquerque identified five year round indoor swimming pools for solar thermal technology. This technology utilizes solar energy to heat domestic hot water. These efforts will result in energy savings. The City of Albuquerque received the United States Department of Energy Million Solar Roofs "Best Progress Award Central Region."  See how this fits into the City's Energy and Emission Plan  

Energy Conservation

Conserving energy is the first step to becoming responsible energy users. With this in mind, Mayor Chávez has directed the following projects:

• In 2002 the City of Albuquerque began an extensive program of converting red and green lights in traffic signals to LED. Since 2002 all red lights have been converted to LED and most of the green lights are now LED. We expect the remaining green lights to be converted to LED by the end of 2009.
  
  Since the program began, the City has added numerous traffic signals while reducing energy use by millions of kilowatt hours. The reduction in energy use required to operate the traffic signals has resulted in energy cost savings.   

• Energy Efficient Lighting – The City of Albuquerque is retro-fitting facilities with energy efficient lighting that will reduce the City's carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil fuel usage. 

• Building/Office Occupancy Sensors - The City of Albuquerque recognizes the benefit of utilizing occupancy sensors in its facilities. This initiative will reduce energy use in the spaces where these sensors are installed.
  
• Energy Audits – Municipal facilities are undergoing inspections to determine how energy can be saved by changing lightbulbs, improving insulation, and installing occupancy sensors. Learn more about energy audits
• Public Housing Electricity Use Reduction - Family and Community Services entered into an innovative contract with the Citizens Conservation Services, a national energy service provider, which estimated an annual electricty reduction potential of 28.4% after completion of improvements identifiied in their energy audit.

  

• Green Building for Energy Efficiency – Albuquerque has established green building standards for City projects, including requirements to meet or exceed the U.S. Green Building Council's Silver LEED rating. Learn more >>

• City of Albuquerque Energy Council – In 2003, this group was established to assist the Mayor in reviewing energy conservation projects at City facilities. Learn more >>

Working for the Future

In February of 2006, Mayor Chávez hosted a Sustainable Energy Town Hall meeting to create recommendations for a city-wide sustainable energy policy. Over 200 participants worked together to develop recommendations for the future of energy in Albuquerque. The results were outstanding.

Mayor Chávez is one of the founding members of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. In early 2006, he attended the Seattle Green Ribbon Commission Meeting, where he joined Al Gore for a ceremony regarding the state of climate change and global warming.

Read the Mayor's Message on Sustainability >>