Sandy Springs Fuel Conversion Program Touted For Savings

Efforts by the city of Sandy Springs to reduce its environmental footprint have been recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

The city's Fuel Conversion Program was honored at the ARC's CREATE Community Awards ceremony last week. The initiative was recognized in the category of environmental sustainability. 

"We challenge our staff to look for innovative ways to solve problems and improve efficiencies," said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul. "Through the Fuel Conversion Program, we were able to offset rising costs of energy and create a safer, healthier community for our residents."

The program involved both the Sandy Springs Police and Fire Rescue departments to reduce the city's dependence on fossil fuels. 

The fire department utilized solar energy to heat water for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry use at its two fire stations. The police department converted to propane autogas in its patrol cars, which reduces greenhouse emissions and saves on fuel and maintenance costs. 

The city notes the implementation has resulted in a "considerable" return of investment. Sandy Springs converted 55 vehicles from gasoline to propane autogas, which resulted in $56,546 in savings when compared to traditional gasoline.

At the fire department's fire stations, natural gas usage decreased by 27 percent, resulting in $23,158 in cost savings. Both projects were funded by outside agencies with support from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

ARC's CREATE Community Awards to recognize government leadership, excellence, and innovation in efforts to make the Atlanta region a better place.

The awards recognize several areas of achievement: Community Involvement and Collaboration, Regional Prosperity & Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Application & Innovation in Technology and Educational Excellence.