Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency means using less energy to perform the same task, thereby eliminating energy waste. Energy efficiency brings a variety of benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing demand for energy imports, and lowering our energy costs on both a household and systemwide level. While renewable energy technologies also help accomplish these objectives, improving energy efficiency is the cheapest and often the most immediate way to reduce the use of fossil fuels. There are enormous opportunities for efficiency improvements in every sector of the economy, whether it is buildings, transportation, industry, or energy generation.

In May 2018, an energy audit was conducted by the non-profit organization Southface to analyze the current energy usage of government facilities in Norcross. In the final reports, they provide recommendations to reduce energy consumption and estimated economic savings. Following this audit, to improve energy efficiency at Norcross City Hall, a cool roof was installed on the building in June 2019. The cool roof has a white reflective surface that reduces the amount of heat absorbed into the building. Norcross also adopted a “Night Sky” ordinance in June 2019 that requires all new developments to reduce unnecessary glare by pointing down outdoor lighting downwards and away from adjoining properties. 

The City of Norcross is certified under the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Green Communities program and is one of only several Platinum-level Green Communities in metro Atlanta. Below, see how Norcross is doing on completing ARC Green Communities measures around energy efficiency: