DALLAS – The Dallas City Council Wednesday approved projects to advance the City’s Comprehensive Environmental Climate Action Plan (CECAP) goals.
“As Dallas celebrates Earth Day this month, Wednesday’s actions by the City Council show R.E.A.L. investment that is responsible, equitable, accountable and legitimate in support of our ambitious CECAP, which has made Dallas a leader and national model for sustainability,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax.
The nearly $1 million project proposed by the Building Services Department to install solar panels at three City facilities was approved unanimously.
The solar panels will be installed at the Fretz Park Recreation Center, Dallas West Branch Library and the Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center. Total energy generated from these three solar projects is estimated to be 15,722,481 kWh and would offset approximately 12,282 Tons of Carbon Dioxide over 25 years; this project will reduce approximately 57% of the total energy currently used by the three facilities. The City is entering into a contract with Ameresco for installation of the panels.
“This City Council vote is another step in the right direction of reducing the carbon footprint of City facilities,” Building Services Interim Director John Johnson said. “By continuing to engage in projects that increase our facilities’ utilization of renewable energy, the City’s goals of carbon neutrality will be closer to reality.”
The City Council on Wednesday also approved the purchase of over $300,000 of air quality sensor equipment for the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability to deploy across the City.
”The Dallas City Council’s investments in these enhancements to city-owned facilities will result in significant and measurable progress toward our CECAP goals,” Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS) Director Carlos Evans said. “This decision demonstrates the City’s commitment to combating climate change and realizing a healthier and more sustainable environment, particularly for our underserved communities.”
OEQS’ CECAP was passed unanimously by the city council in 2020 after a robust and inclusive community outreach and engagement effort. The plan outlines specific actions the city can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental quality in every ZIP code within the city.
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