Increasing its efforts to make Houston green, the City of Houston has entered into a multi-year contract with the Geotechnology Research Institute (GTRI), a state entity housed at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC).  GTRI will partner with the City to develop policies that encourage the design and construction of energy efficient facilities.

"We’re working together to make Houston green,” said Mayor Bill White.  “Our goal is to make Houston the energy conservation capital of the world.”

With the help of some of the top research scientists and engineers in the region, the City will focus future construction and maintenance efforts on how best to conserve energy, enhance water conservation and advance the quality of life within the City. 

“Our first priority will be to consider what improvements can be made to the City of Houston’s 271 facilities, addressing energy efficiency, conservation and operational cost reductions,” explained Issa Dadoush, P.E., Director for the City of Houston’s General Services Department.

Richard Haut, senior research scientist at HARC/GTRI, said the agreement with the City should result in a range of sustainable design recommendations that can improve energy efficiency and conservation.  “By implementing innovative measures related to facility design, infrastructure, water usage, waste handling, and housing, Houston can emerge as a leader in energy conservation,” Dr. Haut said.

“Researchers at HARC and GTRI are excited to participate in this important initiative,” said Bob Harriss, HARC president. “Increased energy efficiencies represent a win-win for everyone who works, lives or visits the City.”

About the GTRI and HARC
Founded in 1982 and based in The Woodlands, Texas, HARC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving human and ecosystem well-being through the application of sustainability science and the principles of sustainable development. The Geotechnology Research Institute was created in 1985 by the 68th Legislature and is housed at HARC. For more information about HARC, visit www.harc.edu. 

Mayor Bill White Announces Electricity Savings And Program To Make City Facilities More Energy Efficient

October 4, 2007 - Mayor Bill White today announced that The City of Houston will save over $34,000 a year in electricity costs and reduce annual CO 2 emissions by 277 tons with the purchase of energy efficient devices for all existing beverage vending machines in city facilities. In addition to retrofitting the existing machines, 50 new ENERGY STAR rated vending machines were added as well. More..

To shake up an often apathetic public, environmentalists have sometimes appealed to fear (warnings about rising seas, Al Gore’s movie) and theatrics (tree-hugging, crying American Indians on TV).

This weekend, they were trying something that was new, yet as old as human desire. At an eco-festival at a park on the East River in Manhattan, men and women mostly too young to recall the “Keep America Beautiful” Indian came across an aqua-blue sign that spelled it out in no uncertain terms: “Sign up for clean energy and drink free beer.” More..

Hoping to stabilize a $150 million annual electricity bill, Houston officials have negotiated a contract to ensure that a third of the city's power is generated by wind.

If approved, the contract would make Houston a leader among local governments across the country using renewable energy. More..