PORT ANGELES – Clallam County is considering a slate of energy upgrades after audits found its Administrative Campus and Juvenile Detention Center using more energy than allowed under Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standards.
With funding from the Washington State Association of Counties, the county hired Millig Energy for in-depth assessments. The Administrative Campus is operating about 18.8 percent above its Energy Use Intensity target, while Juvenile Detention is 32 percent over. By 2027, both must report energy use and have operations and maintenance plans; the campus must also meet its target or invest in cost-effective measures to avoid fines that could reach $1 per square foot.
Recommended work includes LED lighting conversions, modernized HVAC and control systems, an air-to-water heat pump for hot water, and new cooling for the Historic Courthouse courtroom. If completed, the projects could reduce energy use by nearly 30 percent at the campus and close to 50 percent at Juvenile Detention. Potential grants, rebates, and federal tax credits could offset millions in costs.
County commissioners will review the findings and next steps at an upcoming work session.