Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
At a Glance
Industry
Government/Public Administration
Project Types
Commercial Energy Efficiency, Engagement and Behavior Change
Year
2012
Location
Cherokee, NC
Erika Dahl and David King developed a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). They initiated projects ranging from software-based energy management and HVAC retrocommissioning to facilities training and a community engagement plan. Together, these projects could save EBCI $500,000 annually.
To advance the work of previous Climate Corps fellows at EBCI, Dahl and King implemented a recommendation to convert propane-powered equipment to natural gas, which could save EBCI nearly $25,000 annually. They also completed an energy audit project started by the 2011 fellows, determining that nine EBCI facilities saved nearly $6,000, 51,000 kilowatt hours of electricity and 40 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions as a result of 2011 upgrades.
Energized by Dahl and King's work, EBCI plans to hire an Energy Program Coordinator within the next few months.