Brookhaven: Planning for a “greener” tomorrow…today

The purchase and testing of the Tesla are the first steps as the City explores the possibility of creating a 100-percent electric vehicle platform for the City fleet.  If the inaugural Tesla performs well under Georgia Public Safety Training Center testing, it is possible that over time all City vehicles will be replaced with electric cars.

“The Tesla Model S only had 22,000 miles on it, comes with a 100,000 mile/eight-year warranty, and we got it at a reasonable $45,000, saving taxpayer dollars by using confiscated funds,” said Brookhaven City Manager Christian Sigman. “I don’t know of any other city this side of the Mississippi that is testing an electric vehicle platform for patrol vehicles. Other cities have electric cars for city planners, code enforcement and other officials, that’s not uncommon. We will be the first to use them for law enforcement patrol operations.”

The City is partnering with Georgia Power Company in this endeavor. The utility company is analyzing current City vehicle data, such as mileage and usage patterns and comparing that data with similar electric car models to see which cars are potential options to replace gas-powered vehicles in the City fleet. Georgia Power is providing a telemetric device for use on the control Tesla comparing it to current standard gas-powered police patrol car use. The results will be utilized in making a final decision on the most feasible way to move forward.

It’s hard to believe the “green” movement had its beginnings nearly 50 years ago when the first Earth Day in 1970 made being environmentally conscious a social obligation. So, it’s only natural that finding ways to be environmentally proactive has been a common thread continuously woven into Brookhaven’s long and short-term planning strategies since its inception six years ago.

“Almost every area of the City’s government has sustainability underpinnings, not only day-to-day operations but long-term planning as well,” noted Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst. “We are looking at everything we do, strategically and tactically, in terms of procurement, technology, processes, and procedures from an environmental perspective.”

One of the most obvious efforts is the electric car charging station in the City Hall parking lot and similar stations installed in the recently renovated Skyland Park. Within 90 days, the single City Hall charger will be replaced with four smart-chargers, and two more will also be located in Blackburn Park.  Plans call for additional charging stations to be added at other City locations. On new construction projects, infrastructure for charging stations will be installed in parking areas, such as the new public safety building, currently under design. City leaders are also encouraging existing and new businesses to include the same type of infrastructure in any future construction plans.

As for the planned new public safety building currently under design, considerable thought is being given to making it as eco-friendly as possible, too, even down to the smallest details. Attention is being given to utilizing many of the nationally-recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) concepts wherever possible. With careful planning, the building, twice the size of the current police headquarters, will cost less to operate thanks to features like using special glazing on the windows and incorporating overhangs to shade the glass in warmer months, using efficient plumbing and building materials and utilizing geothermal power to cool/warm the facility.

“From the beginning, while the public safety building was just on the drawing boards, plans to incorporate environmental sustainability elements to the project were front and center,” said Public Works Director Hari Karikaran. “We chose the location based on the protection of Peachtree Creek and the associated Greenway. Site development will protect and restore the surrounding habitat and expansion of the tree canopy.”

The grounds for the building will be designed for low maintenance and indigenous plants will be utilized in the landscaping. The environment will also be a consideration when developing construction and waste management plans. Environmental optimization will be achieved using formaldehyde-free products and low-volatile organic compounds. Additional details include indoor air quality management practices and incorporating interior daylighting and enhanced acoustic performance techniques. 

Additional examples of environmental measures currently underway at City Hall include replacing, as needed, regular lighting with LED lights, and even minor efforts are being taken such as encouraging employees and guests to use porcelain cups for coffee, eliminating the need for paper cups. “It all comes down to developing a new way of thinking about what we can do, even on the smallest level, that is more environmentally sound,” added Sigman. “We even placed a bicycle rack in front of City Hall to encourage visitors or employees to bike here rather than drive.” Department heads are also urged to explore “green” alternatives to upgrade day-to-day work procedures and to solicit environmentally-friendly vendors.

Brookhaven is also requesting City contractors such as those responsible for code enforcement, permitting and inspections, to consider converting to electric car use. Others, such as park maintenance contractors, are being asked to search for ways to utilize battery-powered tools rather than gas-powered for items like mowers, trimmers and other maintenance equipment.

The Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department is where some of the most visible examples of environmental sustainability can be found. Every park’s Master Plan has built-in sustainability initiatives. New irrigation systems are being installed to prevent erosion, solar panels are being added for charging cell phones and laptops, natural playgrounds are being built, charging stations allow park visitors to recharge their cars. In other park improvements, stream buffer variances are being added to assist with conserving land and water resources and LED lights and timers are being utilized to conserve energy. At locations such as the lake at Murphy Candler Park, granite and limestone have been strategically placed along the shoreline to reduce erosion.

The commitment to be good environmental stewards didn’t just happen overnight in Brookhaven. It is been a strategic part of every area of city management since the City was created and is specifically included in Brookhaven’s Mission and Vision Statements. “We are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment, improve our air quality and conserve resources for future generations,” added Mayor Ernst. “Environmental leadership is evolving into one of the City’s core values.”

Sigman agreed. “In Brookhaven, our goal is to provide an exceptional quality of life for every generation. Our desire is to leave a legacy of stewardship through the actions of the City leaders. The desired end result is a safe, healthy, vibrant community.  All actions are taken with the purpose of minimizing any negative impact in order to conserve the natural resources that will sustain all of us in Brookhaven, now and into the future.”

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