12-02-2024 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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fulfilling the green energy vision on both the demand and supply side, pursuing LEED for Communities, demand side strategies to reduce energy needs, and supply side strategies that would create carbon free energy. He commented on the energy efficiency strategies that would be pursued for buildings. Potential thermal energy solution and decentralized electric options and costs were discussed with the JDA. Commissioner Monson reported the hope would be to have community-wide geothermal available throughout Rice Creek Commons. Mr. Johnson reviewed the 30 year life cycle cost analysis for the different scenarios. He explained it was feasible to have an all-electric, carbon free heating and cooling within Rice Creek Commons. He reported a community district energy system would allow the use of heating and cooling equipment that was familiar to developers, require less in-building equipment, share heating and cooling energy between buildings, improve efficiency, enable higher equipment efficiencies, eliminate cold weather equipment packages, eliminate air source condenser units while freeing up roof space for solar. Mr. Johnson explained the next steps were for the JDA to consider adopting a policy for a carbon free site. Staff and consultants will then coordinate with developers to incorporate in- building costs into life cycle cost analysis. He stated EAC, staff and consultants will discuss sustainability design guidelines with developers. The JDA will determine the preferred organizational structure and financing strategy if pursuing a community district energy system. He noted a LEED for Communities kickoff meeting would be hosted by the EAC. Commissioner Reinhardt commented the Xcel Energy grid was excepted to be carbon free by 2040. She indicated this was 16 years from now. She supported this group making smart decisions in order to be a part of this change because this was an opportunity like no other. She commented on how a geothermal solution would be an economical solution over the years. She believed this was exciting and doable, and she looked forward to seeing what decisions were made by the JDA. Commissioner Fabel questioned if being carbon free would mean all power would be created by solar and wind. Mr. Johnson explained this could be achieved through solar and renewable energy (wind). Commissioner Fabel inquired if any portion of the community system would be utilized by the residential homes. Mr. Johnson reported the full scenario would have the distribution water loop through the residential neighborhoods. Commissioner Frethem asked who would be paying the capital costs for the community system. Michael Ahern from Ever-Green Energy explained there were a number of scenarios that will be discussed with Alatus. He indicated options will be laid out to the JDA and developer for further consideration.