“The committee is trying to educate themselves the best they can about renewable energy and the steps we have to take to use it in Brick Township.  Monday night’s meeting was a great learning experience ,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I thank Monmouth University for opening their doors for us.”

The session was hosted by Monmouth University’s Vice President for Administrative Services Patricia Swannack and Director of Facilities Management for Operations Lester Hauck.  The informational session provided MACRE members with real-time experience of the process of designing, bidding and installing a large-scale solar electric – or photovoltaic – system.

The meeting was held in Wilson Hall and was followed by a tour of the photovoltaic system installation.

Mayor Acropolis founded MACRE in January to investigate the costs and benefits of using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power at municipal facilities.  This was the third informational session MACRE members have attended since the committee’s inception.  The committee has visited the Atlantic County Utilities Authority to educate members, particularly the Wind Power Sub-committee.  A meeting was also held to discuss a detailed analysis of the potential use of bio-fuels in the Township.

“We have to find ways to lower the costs of government, which is why we formed MACRE” said Mayor Acropolis.  “The committee’s mission is to save taxpayer dollars by reducing how much we spend on energy and fuels.”

In addition to the educational sessions, MACRE has identified potential sites within Brick Township to apply renewable energy technologies and has identified opportunities to further study Township facilities to increase their energy efficiency.

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