Going green saves green

The following is a column by Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson. To listen to the lt. governor’s column, please visit http://www.governor.ks.gov/LtGov/audio.htm

To make money you have to spend money.

As a business owner, I’ve seen this adage proven true many times, and it continues to be proven by recent trends in constructing and remodeling buildings in energy-efficient ways. Although some of these energy- and cost-saving measures are more expensive upfront, they more than pay for themselves in the long run. In fact, the American Institute of Architects cites a study that shows constructing a new building as “green” would cost less than two percent more than using normal techniques and materials.

I have been able to see these savings firsthand throughout our state over the past month.

In Topeka, Washburn University is renovating its science building, where classrooms, office space and laboratories will now operate in rooms with high-efficiency light bulbs, windows that effectively manage interior temperatures and a roof made of organic material to better reflect and retain heat.

In North Newton, the new city hall resulted in a January 2007 utility bill $700 less than the same month two years prior.  The council chambers disperse natural sunlight throughout the room, decreasing the need for brighter – and more energy intensive –lighting. Light fixtures in the chambers switch on and off based on a motion sensor and are less intense the closer they are to the windows. Finally, all the wood trim, paneling and furniture have been constructed from Lyptus wood, which has been sustainably grown and harvested in the forests of South America.

As co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council, I understand the savings Kansans can see as a result of increased energy efficiency. That’s why we are considering a policy that would require all state government buildings to meet increased efficiency standards.

The renewable energy future is bright for Kansas, and increased energy efficiency is a big part of it. Although it might take a little initial investment, the entire state can help make our country more energy independent – and save money in the long-run – by increasing our energy efficiency.

# # #