Columbia receives Municipal League award for Excellence in Green Leadership

As the city of Columbia has worked to improve and upgrade various municipal facilities, city leaders have taken careful consideration to ensure projects involve environmentally resilient and green infrastructure. 

In recognition of the dedicated efforts the city of Columbia has made regarding conservation-oriented and environmentally-focused projects, the Tennessee Municipal League is pleased to present Columbia with an award for Excellence in Green Leadership. 

The city hired PATH Company to manage the conversion of 6,000 streetlights to LED bulbs. Prior to the conversion, Columbia Power and Water System (CPWS) owned the lights with the city responsible for paying power consumption expenses, maintenance, and installation. The conversion has reduced those costs and saved the State Street Aid Fund $450,000 per year. Maintenance of the lights has been transferred back to CPWS as per the agreement. 

In addition, the city has made plans to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment plant, originally built in the 1970s. A new HVAC system has already been added to the administration building, providing energy and cost savings. External and internal lighting in the plant has all been upgraded to LED. Plans for a new facility now under construction include energy saving advances and LED lighting. 

Finally, the city has incorporated locations for new EV charging stations into its most recent strategic plan. City leaders are working with CPWS and TVA to install charging locations downtown.