Leading by Example

Since establishing the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources (OSER) in 2008, Frederick County has conducted comprehensive assessments, developed substantial plans, and taken an impressive number of actions to address energy and fuel conservation, and promote the use of renewable energy.

Here are some of our projects to date:

Assessments and Planning

Click here to add lead-in text.
  • A Comprehensive Energy Plan for 2010-2024 was adopted in 2010 as a guide to operating divisions of county government. This plan is being revised in 2018.
  • A Sustainable Action Plan (SAP) for County Operations provided a five-year strategy for the integration of sustainable practices into Government Operations
  • Twenty-nine (29) energy audits of County-owned and occupied buildings guided planning for energy efficiency upgrades and improvements.
Planning
LED lights, Courthouse2

LED interior lighting at the Courthouse

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Since 2012, projects across the County and at County-owned facilities have been estimated to save more than 1,365,000 kWh/year. These projects include, but are not limited to:
  • Energy efficient lighting projects including outdoor lighting at parks, covered bridges, and parking lots; and interior lighting at the Courthouse, Winchester Hall, and many other County buildings;
  • Twelve Heating and cooling system upgrades to more energy efficient models in eight County facilities;
  • White thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof installations at the Adult Detention Center and the west wing of Winchester Hall.

Transportation Fuel Reduction

Between 2005 and 2016, Frederick County was able to reduce transportation fuel by procuring:​
  • Twenty-five (25) hybrid vehicles at Fleet Services
  • Two hybrid passenger buses, and thirteen (13) electric charging stations at TransIT Services.
  • Five (5) plug-in hybrid electric passenger vehicles estimated to save 16,820 gallons of gasoline and $51,301 over 10 years at TransIT Services.
  • Five (5) all-electric buses refurbished from conventional buses at TransIT Services that can run 120 miles on a single charge, and are estimated to save the county $470,000 per year in fuel and maintenance costs.
  • TransIT plans to procure 5 more all-electric buses in FY 2018 and 2019 in order to have a fuel savings estimate equivalent of 68,795 gallons of gasoline per year for all 10 all-electric buses. 
  • TransIT ultimately plans to have twenty (20) all-electric buses.
3 Elec Buses

Three of the all-electric buses at TransIT Services

ADCMed

The Adult Detention Center's Solar Water Heating System

Renewable Energy Projects

  • In January 2009, the County teamed with the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority and its contractor, DCO Energy, to design/build/operate and privately own a landfill gas-to-energy facility at the Reichs Ford Road Landfill. The facility started commercial operations in 2010.
  • In 2012, the County installed a 57-panel solar water heating system at the Adult Detention Center. This system generates more than 2,500 gallons of hot water per day and saves the County approximately $10,308 in operating costs per year.
  • During 2017 and 2018, the County has been investigating the feasibility of installing solar arrays at two facilities.
Completed Brunswick LIbrary

Brunswick's LEED-certified Public Library

Green Building

  • Frederick County invested in the U.S Green Building Council’s LEED certification for the Brunswick Library, a 15,400 sq. ft. branch which opened in spring 2011.
  • Frederick County implemented green building practices at the Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center, such as a vegetated roof, a geothermal well field and heat pump system, native plant landscaping, skylights, 100% recycled playground equipment, and water efficient plumbing fixtures.