PORT TOWNSEND — The Fort Worden Public Development Authority has taken steps to address immediate, medium and long-range goals for cutting carbon emissions.
The Fort Worden Public Development Authority (PDA) board agreed last week to work with Mukilteo-based UMC to perform a campus-wide Investment Grade Geo-Thermal Energy Assessment Audit, according to a press release Friday.
They’ll investigate and identify the replacement of campus buildings’ HVAC equipment and determine the feasibility for a district-wide emergency system.
The project’s purpose is to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, enhance operations and maintenance, and improve campus infrastructure.
It aims to eliminate the use of oil boilers, some of which are no longer serviceable.
“This is a very exciting project,” said David King, board president.
“We will be taking basically the ninth inning of 19th century technology and bringing it up into the 21st century. So that would be a huge leap forward for us.”
This audit is part of a state program offered through the state Department of Enterprise Services to support local energy management efforts.
UMC provides the review and assessment with the initial phase, costing $98,000, conducted at no initial charge to the PDA.
If it is determined not to advance the project, the PDA would be liable to refund the cost.
If the program goes forward, the cost is folded into the cost of the project.
Funding is expected to come from various sources including investors, the PDA through an investment strategy, and grants from the state, federal and other government sources, according to the release.
It is expected the audit will take six months to complete, with initial work to begin this month.
An initial review of the audit findings will take place in early summer with an energy services proposal, including guaranteed maximum project costs and a guarantee on energy savings.
UMC has done extensive work with Fort Worden in the past, including installation of solar panels on the Nora Porter Commons building.
