Warrington Township Energy Saving and Clean Energy Practices Inventory

November 2004, Warrington Township BOS passes a resolution to establish an EAC.

October 2006, with assistance from the Public Works Department, the Environmental Advisory Council (WEAC) installs a 2000 sq foot rain garden at the IPW park to capture roof runoff from the Parks and Recreation building. 

November 2009, installs demonstration solar panels on the Township Building. Funding was provided by Smart Power and was awarded to the Township as a result of the WEAC conducting a successful clean energy campaign.

June 2010, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basins at the Township Building and at the corner of Warwick Road and Guinea Lane. This work was completed with the help of the Public Works department and Central Bucks South student volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from Growing Greener from the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 140 native trees and 40 native shrubs. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,374 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 1million gallons of rainfall and $3,200 of savings by reducing 139,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

Spring 2012, the Township adopts a new Landscaping ordinance to promote native plants. The ordinance was a collaborative effort between the Planning Commission and the WEAC.

Spring 2012, the WEAC naturalizes the Green Ridge Drive detention basin.  An Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers’ plant over 50 trees and shrubs. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $647 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 72,400 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 56,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

November 2012, Township passes a $10 million open space bond. This is a result of the EAC conducting an intensive educational campaign including signage and volunteers at each polling station.

May 2013, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin on the corner of Evening Walk Lane and Morning Walk Drive. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 140 native trees and 40 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the projects ecosystem service total benefits will be worth $30,773: $26,835 of stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 2,710,687 gallons of rainfall $845 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $3,092 of savings by reducing 318,530 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

October 2013, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin on the corner of Billingsley Drive and Stump Road on October 5, 2013. This work was completed with the help of the Central Bucks High School South’s National Honor Society students.  The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 100 native trees and 20 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over the next 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the total ecosystem service benefits will be worth approximately $19,855:  $15,133 of stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 1,891,361 gallons of rainfall $1,733 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $2,989 of savings by reducing 307,895 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2015, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin adjacent to the cul-de-sac at Hidden Court. This work was completed with the help of the Central Bucks High School South’s National Honor Society students.  The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 230 native trees and 50 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, total ecosystem service benefits will be worth $28,375: $25,302 of stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 2,555,841 gallons of rainfall $893 of air quality improvement savings by absorbing and intercepting pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; reducing energy production needs; and lowering air temperature $2,180 of savings by reducing 224,641 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

September 2015, the WEAC, distributed approximately 50 Black Gum and American Sycamore trees donated by Bartlett Tree Company at our Annual Warrington Day. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $647 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 72,400 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 56,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

October 2016, the WEAC plants habitat clusters at IPW park. The work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 12 native trees and 26 native shrubs. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $127 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 93,000 gallons of rainfall and $139 of savings by reducing 6000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

Spring 2017, a report prepared for Warrington by Keystone Conservation Trust identifies that Warrington Township’s open spaces, are providing cleaner water, and improving air quality; these benefits account for over $10 million dollars each year. If additional benefits are accounted for such as using some of these lands for outdoor recreation, these lands provide an additional $31 million. By factoring in the avoided health care costs from outdoor recreation adds an additional 17 million. Total estimated benefits from our Open Space exceed $58 million.  Need Itree calculations.

April 2017, The WEAC planted 17 bare root trees at the beginning of the trail in Lower Nike Park. The Township purchased the trees at a very reduced price from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Over 35 National Honor Society (NHS) students from Central Bucks South High School assisted with the planting. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $181 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 132,000 gallons of rainfall and $172 of savings by reducing 7400 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2017, the WEAC plants over 100 native shrubs along the trail at Lower Nike Park. NHS students, several employees from TruMark Financial and WEAC board members worked tirelessly. Partial funding for the trees was provided by Philadelphia Horticulture Society, thru the tree tender program. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,700 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 1,200,000 gallons of rainfall and $3,300 of savings by reducing 142,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

September 2017, the WEAC, distributed approximately 50 Black Gum and American Sycamore trees donated by Bartlett Tree Company at our Annual Warrington Day. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $647 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 72,400 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 56,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

April 2018, the WEAC hosted a Native Plant sale. Approximately 200 native trees and shrubs were sold. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,300 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 967,000 gallons of rainfall and $10,250 of savings by reducing 137,200 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2018, The WEAC coordinated planting of 100 Red Maple trees from Bucks Beautiful. The trees were planted on Township owned open space near the intersection of Palomino Drive and Valley Road and the Playground and pond near Barclay Elementary School. The retail value of this effort would have cost taxpayers over $15,000. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1700 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 1,200,000 gallons of rainfall and $3,300 of savings by reducing 142,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2018, May 2019, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located Warwick Road near Sarah’s Lane. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 121 native trees and 36 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $694 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 507,000 gallons of rainfall and $1,300 of savings by reducing 58,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

April 2019, the WEAC coordinated planting of 275 Red Maple trees and 25 Katsura Trees from Bucks Beautiful. Buck Beautiful contractors, Bucks County Gardens and Gale Nurseries planted 225 of the trees and Warrington Township Public Works staff planted the remaining trees. The trees are part of Bucks Beautiful RePlant Bucks Initiative. The trees were planted at Lions Pride, Barness and Nike Parks and the Stormwater detention basin on Buttercup Boulevard. The retail value of this effort would have cost taxpayers over $45,000. The Return on Environmental Investment will exceed over $83,000 over 25 years. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $4,900 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 3.6 million gallons of rainfall and $9000 of savings by reducing 408,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

April 2019, the WEAC held a 2nd annual Native Plant sale. Over 500 trees and shrubs were sold.  Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $3,300 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 2,400,000 gallons of rainfall and $21,500 of savings by reducing 332,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2019, the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located on Buttercup Lane. This work was completed with the help of an Eagle Scout candidate and other scout volunteers. The WEAC was successful in securing a grant from the Tree Vitalize Watersheds program under the supervision of the Bucks County Conservation District. The grant enabled the WEAC to purchase 100 native trees and 40 native shrubs to plant in the basin. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,200 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 863,000 gallons of rainfall and $1,900 of savings by reducing 83,400 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

May 2020, with assistance of the Public Works Department the WEAC naturalizes the water detention basin located at the intersection of Folly and Pickertown Roads. Approximately 150 native trees and shrubs and a small meadow, were planted.  It is estimated that this project will accrue over $25,000 of stormwater runoff savings by intercepting over 2.5 million gallons of rainfall, over the next 25 years. Annual loadings to the Little Neshaminy Creek will be reduced by 332 pounds of sediment, 7 pounds of nitrogen and 1 pound of phosphorus. Over 25 years, based on forecasted tree growth, the project’s ecosystem service benefits will be worth $1,600 from stormwater runoff savings by intercepting 147,000 gallons of rainfall and $900 of savings by reducing 126,000 lbs. of atmospheric carbon dioxide through CO2 sequestration and decreased energy production needs and emissions.

Fall 2020, Township replaces 606 lights at the Township Building and 111 lights at the Public Works Building with LED lighting. This is reducing our Co2 footprint by approximately 40,000 pounds per year from the Township Building and 8,000 pounds per year from the Public Works Building.  

December 2020, Township installs 148 panels 470W/panel 69,560 KW/year that is expected to produce 93,275 kwh each year. This is reducing our Co2 footprint by approximately 82,000 pounds per year.

Ongoing, to date the Township has replaced over 1500 street lights with LED lighting.    This is over 97% of all street lights in the Township. This is reducing our Co2 footprint by approximately 424,000 pounds per year.