Fort Worth is moving forward with two sustainability initiatives that city staff say will reduce costs, modernize infrastructure and make recycling easier for residents.<\/p>\n
Projected benefits include reducing the city\u2019s streetlamp electricity costs by an estimated $1.2 million annually and establishing a program to create reuse centers at the city\u2019s waste and trash drop-off stations.<\/p>\n
Fort Worth Environmental Services employees recently updated the City Council\u2019s Property Management & Environmental Services Committee<\/a> on the progress of two federal grants<\/a> \u2014 one focused on energy efficiency and the other on recycling infrastructure. Together, they represent nearly $10 million in investment over the next several years.<\/p>\n Streetlights and long-term energy savings<\/p>\n Jordan Balusek, environmental supervisor, outlined the city\u2019s progress on an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, a multipart program aimed at reducing energy use across city operations while helping residents better manage utility costs.<\/p>\n Central to that effort is a comprehensive energy efficiency conservation strategies document that the city is developing in partnership with Ameresco. Expected to be completed next month, the document will serve as a long-term road map for city departments involved in building retrofits, fleet upgrades and new construction.<\/p>\n Rather than requiring immediate capital outlays, Balusek said the framework gives departments practical, phased strategies based on energy audits already conducted across city facilities.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s meant to be actionable guidance (that) departments can return to as funding becomes available,\u201d Balusek said.<\/p>\n One of the most visible components of the grant is a retrofit of 1,650 streetlights to LED smart models. The project is part of a broader citywide effort to convert Fort Worth\u2019s streetlight network, which includes about 71,000 fixtures. The grant-funded portion covers roughly 5% of the city\u2019s remaining non-LED lights.<\/p>\n Fort Worth Transportation & Public Works estimates the retrofit will be completed by spring 2026. The upgraded fixtures are expected to extend streetlight lifespans 10-15 years and save the city about $1.2 million annually in energy costs. Those savings will be tracked and verified through Oncor audits to ensure accurate measurement.<\/p>\n Staff also highlighted a public education component of the grant. The city mailed 143,000 postcards, reaching about 55% of residential parcels, with a focus on neighborhoods facing higher energy burdens.<\/p>\n Each postcard includes a QR code linking to a sustainability website launched late last year, offering tips on water and energy conservation and information on existing city rebate programs.<\/p>\n Recycling infrastructure and reuse pilot<\/p>\n Avery Pesek, an environmental services senior management analyst, presented details on the city\u2019s $4.8 million Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant<\/a>, which will be implemented over three years.<\/p>\n The funding supports a range of improvements, including new equipment, signage and construction upgrades at city drop-off stations. About $1 million is allocated to launch a pilot reuse program and enhance recycling education, while $550,000 will fund new recycling compactors to increase capacity and reduce daily hauling trips.<\/p>\n