TAP Blog | Duckwater Shoshone Tribe in Nevada Improves Worker's Environment And Reduces Energy Costs By More Than Half By Retrofitting Buildings

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Duckwater Shoshone Tribe in Nevada Improves Worker's Environment And Reduces Energy Costs By More Than Half By Retrofitting Buildings

March 22, 2011 17:57 | comment

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The recipient of a $25,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe (DST) of Nevada elected to use their grant funds to conduct energy efficiency retrofits on three buildings: the Tribal Administration building, the Health Clinic facility, and the Tribal Gymnasium. The retrofits included some new insulation, and the installation of more airtight exterior doors. However, the bulk of the grant funding went towards replacing over 70 outdated or broken light fixtures with more energy efficient lighting options, such as Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL’s) and occupancy sensors to turn off lights and HVAC systems when the buildings are not in use.

The Tribe chose to install high-efficiency CFLs as part of the building retrofits because of their lower energy consumption and superior lifespan when compared to standard incandescent bulbs. CFLs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and they last up to 10 times longer. Replacing an incandescent with an equivalent CFL can result in energy savings of as much as $40 over that bulb’s lifespan. And, as the Tribe points out, CFLs produce roughly 75% less heat—so installing them can also reduce the costs of air conditioning.

As Kim Townsend, assistant planner for DST, reports, the Tribe has seen a significant reduction in their utility bill as a result of their EECBG project. For example, the tribe saw a 65% drop in the Gymnasium’s energy costs since the building’s retrofits were completed last summer. Furthermore, the energy efficiency upgrades have the added benefit of an improved indoor environment for staff and tribal members who work and play in the retrofitted buildings. “The lighting in the tribal facility and tribal gymnasium were not efficient or easy on the eyes” says Townsend, “employees were amazed when the lights were changed; they could see their work and have not complained about headaches or eye stress.”

The Tribal Gymnasium Before the installation of efficient lighting.

The Tribal Gymnasium after the installation of efficient lighting.

Over time, DST hopes that the cost savings generated from the buildings’ reduced energy use will not only help the retrofit project pay for itself, but also free-up additional resources for the Tribe to devote to the other programs it offers the community. They are also interested in finding additional funding sources to pursue even more energy efficiency measures. For now, DST is pleased to declare their EECBG project a success: “Greatly improved utility costs and atmosphere,” says Townsend, “it makes a big difference when one can see what they are doing in a clearer environment.”

Content for this blog post courtesy of Kim Townsend, Assistant Planner for the Duckwater Shoshone, and James Truitt, Tribal Regional Coordinator, ICF International.