City of Aurora
Aurora, Illinois
Intern: Sheetal Patel
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
The City of Aurora is located in Northeastern Illinois. With a population
of 157,267, according to a 2003 special census, Aurora has steadily grown to
become the second largest city in the state.
The intern conducted both an energy audit and a waste audit for a majority
of the buildings owned by the city.
Results:
The intern made the following recommendations to improve energy efficiency
and reduce solid waste in city operations:
- Convert existing T12 lamps with magnetic ballasts to T8 lamps with electronic
ballasts, and install motion sensors in office areas. The water
treatment plant alone could save over $8,000 by converting to more efficiency
lighting fixtures.
- Retrofit 29 heavy-duty diesel vehicles with technology (e.g. particulate
filters and oxidation catalysts) to reduce diesel exhaust emissions.
- Replace two solvent-based parts washers with aqueous based part washer
to minimize volatile organic compound emissions.
- Recycle used oil filters and oil absorbent mats to reduce items being
sent to the landfill.
- Recycle empty aerosol cans with other metals.
- Recycle insulated wires and other core parts containing metal. Recycle
rubber v-belts and hoses.
- Buy windshield washer fluid in bulk instead of plastic gallon jugs to
help reduce disposal costs.
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