skip to main content
Metropolitan King County Council
516 Third Ave., Rm. 1200
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-296-1000
Toll Free: 800-325-6165
TTY/TDD: 206-296-1024
Fax: 206-296-0198

council@kingcounty.gov
Banner with councilmember headshots
March 3, 2009

King County Budget and Fiscal Management Committee approves funding for energy efficient improvements in County facilities

Proposal would save money and reduce 1,715 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year

The Metropolitan King County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee today unanimously sent to the full Council with a “Do Pass” recommendation legislation sponsored by Council Vice Chair Jane Hague to contract with McKinstry Essention on a series of facility improvements in King County that will reduce cost and shrink the County’s carbon dioxide emissions.

“In these unprecedented economic times, we have to embrace new ways of running of our facilities that will provide both fiscal and environmentally prudent outcomes,” said Hague. “This plan reduces the County’s energy consumption, which is vital for the county’s bottom line.”

The improvements would install natural gas fired boilers in the King County Courthouse and King County Jail. Hot water and heating in these facilities is currently provided by a steam system, which burns diesel fuel.

By upgrading King County’s steam energy system, it is estimated that the County will save on an annual basis: $788,600 in energy costs; 1,715 metric tons of carbon dioxide; and 6,722,349 gallons of water.

The ordinance will now go to the full County Council, which is scheduled to act on the proposal at its March 16 meeting.