Municipalities across the country are experiencing similar challenges that Cudahy, California, is struggling with – how to operate more sustainably and replace outdated systems in aging buildings.
Cudahy has facilities that date back to the 1950s and lighting systems, building automation systems and HVAC infrastructure that all need upgrading. The city is also looking to upgrade its lighting in streets and parks.
“Our facilities get a lot of use, and many of them are decades old,” says Jose Gonzalez, current vice mayor. “We needed to bring them into the present while also thinking toward the future. It is important for us to keep pace with technology while counterbalancing rising energy costs, and factoring in unpredictable seasonal power outages.”
Cudahy is using federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and a grant from Siemens Smart Infrastructure for the project, which is currently in its infancy stages. The project will include solar panels atop a carport at City Hall, community center and Public Works Department building. The panels are projected to provide 126 kW of power. The project also includes installing more than 500 LED bulbs in the city’s municipal building and for street and park lights
