Climate Change and Energy

Breadcrumbs

Climate Change and Energy

Wastewater treatment requires a great deal of energy, and AlexRenew is continuously seeking methods to optimize energy efficiency in our wastewater treatment processes and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), which contribute to climate change.

The City of Alexandria is implementing efforts to save energy, reduce GHG emissions, and protect infrastructure from the effects of climate change. AlexRenew supports these efforts by tracking our GHG emissions and improving wastewater treatment process efficiencies to minimize energy waste and decrease emissions. Through efficiency improvements and onsite energy generation, AlexRenew has decreased energy use by 11 percent and GHG emissions by 37 percent since we began tracking these metrics in 2005. 

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AlexRenew - Environmental Center
AlexRenew’s administrative building, pictured above, is powered by over 400 roof-mounted solar panels. Gases from the wastewater treatment process are also captured for use in on-site boilers. These renewable energy sources help offset our demand for grid-sourced electricity and natural gas, saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.