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AFFORDABLE HOME WITH SOLAR HOT WATER COORDINATED BY SOLAR SAN ANTONIO

The Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE) works to increase San Antonio’s energy efficiency and sustainability by providing the region with energy leadership, education and expertise. In response to population growth, increasing pollution, and the need for energy security, MPE promotes sound energy policy, renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and technical guidance.

MPE was created following the passage of Texas Senate Bill 5 – the Texas Emissions Reduction Act – that calls on municipal facilities to reduce energy consumption by 5% a year for five years. The bill also calls for compliance with the latest energy efficient building codes for residential and commercial construction. Leading San Antonio’s effort is MPE’s Board Chairman, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

VIA PROPANE-POWERED BUS

MPE is a non-profit partnership created through a collaboration of the City of San Antonio, City Public Service, Bexar County, San Antonio Water System, Alamo Area Council of Governments, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Greater Bexar County Council of Cities, and Solar San Antonio. MPE helps its partners develop and implement energy and emissions reduction policies including increased recycling, more renewable energy use, adoption of resource efficient building standards, reduction of urban heat islands, environmental purchasing and alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle use. MPE also monitors the state legislature, following energy-related bills and making recommendations as appropriate.

CAPTURING ENERGY FROM THE WIND

“Together as citizens, we need to evaluate our energy consumption and begin to use our natural resources more wisely,” Judge Nelson Wolff said. “The unique partnership of MPE will lead to a better future for San Antonio by educating our community about energy conservation as well as alternative forms of energy such as those promoted by Solar San Antonio.”

MPE’s target area is the San Antonio Metropolitan Area: Bexar, Guadalupe, Comal and Wilson Counties. San Antonio is the largest city in the target area, with almost three-quarters of the area’s total population.

“San Antonio is a leader in this effort,” said former Mayor of San Antonio Ed Garza, who served as MPE’s Board Vice Chair. “As our citizens adopt new technologies and embrace energy conservation, we will change the future of our region.”

CPS’ SOLAR POWER STATION AT THE INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES

MPE’s Initiatives include technical workshops and individualized assistance to political subdivisions, community outreach, and development of a green building program. Green building – building with resource efficient design and construction – has less impact on the environment from construction through the life of the structure and often incorporates recycled materials. MPE’s Build San Antonio Green emphasizes renewable energy and affordable housing.

SOLAR THERMAL PANELS AT CPS’ NORTHSIDE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER

“Through education about the benefits of green building, we hope to create public demand for structures that have higher standards for energy and water efficiency, and improved indoor air quality,” said Milton Lee, MPE Board secretary and City Public Service CEO.

MPE will hold its annual San Antonio Energy Leadership Awards in April 2006. In an effort to build awareness for local efforts, MPE will honor businesses and area schools with the Energy Leadership Awards and the Student Contests for innovative projects and programs.

In addition to Judge Wolff and Mayor Hardberger, MPE’s other officers are Secretary Milton Lee, GM and CEO of City Public Service; and Treasurer William Sinkin, Chairman of Solar San Antonio. Other board members include John Milam, CEO of VIA Metro Transit; Al Notzon, Executive Director of AACOG and Mayor Jim Parma, Chairman of GBCCC.