When City of Branson electrician Lowell Szudajski (at right) came up with an idea to improve the lighting and reduce energy costs in the control room at the Meadows Water Treatment Plant, there was just one problem:  where to find funds for the $600 upgrade? 

Fortunately Lowell was aware of the City’s Sustainability Council awards for innovative ideas that benefit the city and help the environment.   Lowell applied for a “Green Grants” Award to fund 75% of the project and his department supplied the rest.

 The result?  New LED lighting cut wattage in half, improved visibility in the control room, reduced electricity usage by 48% and saves $178.00 per year savings for that one room.   In 3.5 years the investment will have paid for itself and the savings will be permanent.

After completing the project, Lowell applied for a “Think Green” Award and won ½ day off for initiating and completing the LED lighting project.  Good work, Lowell!

Green Grants:

Where Green Ideas Grow

Parks and Recreation facilities manager Kelli Tucker applied for and was recently awarded TWO Green Grants.  The first project replaces 158,000 linear feet of paper towels annually (30 miles, if laid end to end) with energy-efficient hand dryers in eight city parks restrooms.  In addition to eliminating the annual purchase of the paper towels, the new dryers also eliminate the need for landfill space and disposal costs.  A Sustainability Green Grant paid for 66% of the cost of the project.

In addition, Kelli also submitted a Green Grant application to replace rotting wooden planks on the city’s fishing dock with new composite wood decking made from recycled plastics and wood dust.  The new decking is a superior product which will reduce replacement costs while supporting a green economy of materials made from recycled products.  A Green Grant will help pay the cost.  Congratulations Kelli!