Dickinson County makes investment in a “greener” energy future

Alliant Energy partners with county to make energy-efficient improvements at courthouse

When you approach the new Dickinson County Courthouse, the first thing you will notice is its beautiful design and sweeping roof. First impressions, though, only tell you so much about the structure. What you can’t see, either from the inside or out, is just how “green” the building is.

Thanks to the efforts of county supervisors, a county-secured contract representative, and a partnership with Alliant Energy, the new courthouse includes several energy-efficient projects that are already saving energy, helping the environment and keeping the operating cost down for taxpayers.

The Dickinson County Courthouse features high-efficiency lighting, LED exit signs, energy-efficient chillers, special occupancy sensors, energy-saving windows and window coatings, adjustable speed drives for both a cooling tower and for chilled waters, and a high-tech HVAC system. Installing this equipment and materials will save electricity and help to contribute to a cleaner and a healthier environment.

“We wanted to do everything we could to make the new courthouse energy-efficient because we have a responsibility to the taxpayers and to the environment,” said David Gottsche, Chairman of the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors. “Working together with Alliant Energy gave us the opportunity to figure out how to make the facility more energy efficient and reduce our energy costs.”

And, being green can also get you some green. Dickinson County received a custom rebate check from Alliant Energy for $31,718.12 because of the energy-efficient technologies installed at the new courthouse. The check was presented by Alliant Energy Strategic Account Manager Jan Bowles to Dickinson County Board of Supervisors at their February 12 meeting, which was held in the Community Room in the new courthouse.

“Dickinson County made energy-efficiency a priority as they were building the new courthouse and we were excited they looked to our company to partner with them in making it energy smart,” said Bowles. “We were able to cut down on energy bills and achieve positive results because of that and it became a win for everyone involved.”