Friday, October 4, 2002

Energy-efficient fire station to get national attention

By JANET MCGREGOR
snippets@bellsouth.net

Some time in 2003 residents across the United States may be seeing commercials regarding the new fire station currently in the design process for Union City.

What is so special about a fire station? The new station will have virtually zero utility costs if all goes according to plan, said Fire Chief Ken Collins. His understanding is that it is the first light industrial project of its kind ­ something well worth a bit of publicity.

Collins, Brown Design Group, Group VI and representatives from Union City have been working closely to make the goal of zero energy costs a reality.

Brown Design Architect Audra Brown-Cooper first presented the idea for an energy efficient station during the bid process. Since Brown Design and Group VI were awarded the contract, Cooper has actively pursued donations from various energy related companies. One of the incentives to entice companies to donate will be the ability to show-off the end result via advertising media.

Additionally, weekend open houses will be scheduled periodically to allow companies to bring in guests to survey the station.

Prior to Cooper's involvement, donations from local developers began the process of helping to defray costs. Fred Schwamlee gave the city close to one plus acres for the station and Torrey Homes donated the preliminary site work.

The end result of all the hard work and donations will hopefully be a showcase fire station costing under $800,000 with a value of over $1 million.

A zero energy efficient fire station will attract attention and help in decreasing long-term costs to taxpayers. However, the station will also serve a much-needed purpose in the community.

Currently Union City has two stations which are located relatively close to each other. Once the new station is operational the "old" Fire Station #1 will be retired and the new station will become Fire Station #1. The new station is located on Highpoint Road in the midst of all the newest development in the city near the new elementary school.

The station is being built with the future in mind. Although only three firefighters will initially be on duty at any time when the station first opens, bunks and accommodations for eight or more are provided for in the design. At the outset the bay will hold one engine and the reserve engine. However it will be large enough to hold two engines and a ladder truck or four engines.

There will be three individual bathrooms and separate bunk spaces to ensure privacy for male and female firefighters.

Ample storage, a kitchen, office space and a lobby area will round out the building. One of the offices will be used as a small workout area and another in the front will be allocated for a Public Safety Officer.

Designing a zero energy facility requires attention to details. Paints are being chosen that don't emit chemicals, helping to keep the air cleaner. Low energy appliances are being selected. Insulation, windows and construction materials are being scrutinized to ensure the best efficiency. The roof system will be low maintenance yet will give back energy.

One item that Collins hopes to ultimately include in the project is a $50,000 plus solar system. He notes, "Our goal is to try and get enough donations for the project so we can afford to get the solar system. Even if we don't get it we will be extremely energy efficient."

According to an energy consultant who is working with Brown Design, the station will be 100 times more efficient than a regular station even if they are unable to obtain funds to purchase the solar system. Brown-Cooper has contacted a number of companies who sell the solar systems in hopes one will step forward and donate the system.

In addition to donations from energy related companies, Collins is open to receiving help from local Union City merchants, businesses and individuals. He said, "We're not just looking for participation from large companies. Donations from local people who want to be involved are welcome."

Groundbreaking for the new station is scheduled for October. The station should be completed in the Spring of 2003. For more information on the project contact Chief Ken Collins at 770-306-6860.