From left: Sustainability Director Erin Gill, Mayor Madeline Rogero, TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau, Deputy to the Mayor Christi Branscom, Deputy Public Works Director Chad Weth, and Chief Civil Engineer Tom Clabo.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Bob Martineau was in town Tuesday, Aug. 4, to present the City of Knoxville with a check for $240,000 to help pay for a geothermal heat pump at the new Public Works Complex on Loraine Street.

“I’m pleased to  give this award to the City of Knoxville. Knoxville is on the cutting edge of cities who are seeking energy efficient ways to decrease emissions and reduce expenses at the local level,” Martineau said. “We continue to look for ways to promote environmental awareness and energy efficiency within state government and within Tennessee’s communities.”

The award is one of 38 Clean Tennessee Energy Grants the state  announced in June. The maximum grant amount per project is $250,000 and requires a match from the applicant.

During the ceremony, the City of Farragut was also awarded a grant in the amount of $30,000 for LED lights at Farragut public facilities.

The City’s new Public Works Complex will feature many green building practices. The geothermal pump will save thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 45,000 pounds annually.

For more details about the geothermal heat pump, see http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=261814.