PoPP Star – Tim Girmscheid, Waukegan Park District

To nominate a public sector energy efficiency champion to be a PoPP Star, email PublicSectorEE@ComEd.com. 

ComEd: Why do you believe in energy efficiency?

Girmscheid: We have an inherent responsibility to minimize energy use and its related impacts. As stewards of public dollars and our environment, we are committed to taking action in line with these responsibilities. 

ComEd: What are the key motivating factors that drive Waukegan Park District’s participation in EE?

Girmscheid: Reducing environmental impact, reducing operating costs and showing the public we care for our world.

ComEd: What challenges did you face in implementing EE projects, and how did you overcome them?

Girmscheid: Finding the right incentive programs for the right project. We partnered with the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program and its outreach team to help us understand our options. The program is stellar, and we are becoming much more knowledgeable about EE through this partnership. 

ComEd: What EE initiatives are you hoping to implement in the near future?

Girmscheid: Continue conversions to LED lighting, consider more energy-efficient HVAC systems, improve buildings’ thermal envelope, and evaluate alternative energy sources, especially photovoltaics.

ComEd: What are the qualitative results your park district has seen from EE initiatives? 

Girmscheid: Our fieldhouse gym LED conversion was extremely well received by the public, our staff and board. Lighting quality was greatly improved, maintenance costs were nearly eliminated and electricity use was greatly reduced. To top it all off, the $25,000 ComEd incentive on this $100,000 project was frosting on the cake.

ComEd: Do you have any advice for other public sector organizations thinking about pursuing EE projects?

Girmscheid: Just do it! You need to selective in what you pursue, but ask others what works and build the right partnerships to make it happen.