Resource Management in Local Government

Abstract

Many organizations have been involved in energy management
and conservation programs for decades now. Traditionally, these pro-
grams have focused on installing equipment to minimize consumption
and loads. A resource conservation management (RCM) program ex-
pands upon these traditional efforts to include best practices in opera-
tion and maintenance and building occupant behavior. In past years,
programs within King County government have implemented capital
projects to save energy and water, and have promoted waste reduction,
recycling, and environmental purchasing. However, there has been no
coordinated effort to integrate strategies between departments, track
cumulative savings, or to communicate results. In the spring of 2005,
King County took steps to umbrella and enhance existing efforts by
signing a memorandum of understanding with Puget Sound Energy to
establish an RCM program. A resource conservation manager was hired
in August 2005, and the program is now beginning to take shape. This
article will discuss the progress of the King County RCM program to
date, including proposed program structure and challenges posed by
the type and size of organization.