Estimates were developed for each City facility that included:

• The amount and type of energy (e.g. natural gas) replaced by renewable energy technologies;
  
• Estimated installation and operating costs; 
  
• Useful life of the equipment; 
  
• Other operations and maintenance considerations; 
  
• Potential environmental benefits (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions reductions); and 
  
• Other feasibility considerations. 
  

Brendle Group is working with the City of Lakewood to evaluate existing City buildings and infrastructure and determine the feasibility of various renewable energy technologies.  The project builds off previous energy assessments of Lakewood’s buildings conducted under Xcel Energy’s commercial assessment program, demonstrating how foundational assessment work can be leveraged into other opportunities. Assessments include a review of building data supplied by the City, an analysis of utility bills, a review of previous energy assessment reports and a walk-through of facilities.  

Renewable energy technologies reviewed included solar photovoltaic, solar thermal (passive and hot water), wind, geothermal, biomass and biofuels.   A feasibility study was then developed to recommend a strategy to implement renewable energy projects consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other City preferences and priorities. Included in the feasibility study are descriptions of overall scope, first costs, life cycle analyses (including cost and greenhouse gas emissions impacts), financing opportunities and schedule, along with other potential benefits to the City such as showcasing renewable energy to the community.