Schenectady County considering energy efficiency legislation

Schenectady County is taking steps to improve its overall energy efficiency through better recycling practices, fleet audits and stricter purchasing policies.

Those and other incentives were announced Wednesday as part of legislation that will be considered by the Schenectady County Legislature to improve energy efficiency in its government facilities.

In addition, the proposal would require the county to purchase only Energy Star-rated products, adhere to high levels of environmental standards in its buildings and facilities and instruct employees to turn off lights and computer equipment at the end of their work days.

As part of a broader conservation effort, the county would partner with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to alert homeowners about the importance of home energy audits. County agencies also would target senior citizens, low-income households and other groups that could benefit from the audits.