PIERCE COUNTY — Pierce County has adopted an energy conservation policy to lower operating costs and conserve energy at all county-owned buildings.

The new policy contains a background of Pierce County’s sustainability goals for energy conservation, as well as guiding principles that reinforce the emphasis on energy management initiatives.

“Utility rates are rising, and we need to support the conservation of resources,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “Our energy conservation policy will guide efforts to reduce operational costs and support sustainability.”

In support of the energy conservation policy, a series of technical guidelines will be released that focus on reducing energy use in areas of commercial lighting, building systems, computers and office equipment, and plug loads. Teams of Pierce County employees – including department leaders, building operators, maintenance staff, and IT staff – are working to identify opportunities for energy savings and develop best practices that improve efficiency.

“Employees have done a great job in helping us reduce energy use by 11.3 percent so far. These best practices can push us toward reaching our goal of a 15 percent reduction,” said Jessica Ludwig, energy conservation coordinator.

The new policy, plus ideas on how you can save in your office, are available at ww.piercecountywa.org/sustainability.