Leesburg, Va. Looks into Solar Panels, Food Composting for Sustainability Push

A briefing to the Leesburg, Va. Town Council says that solar panel and food waste composting initiatives are likely to move forward.

Deborah Moran, Sustainability Manager, has been working since April to become familiar with the town’s past and current sustainability efforts. Moran has been assessing the energy and emissions profile of Leesburg’s operations, establishing a committee, and obtaining software to track and manage sustainability programs.

A study has been conducted to find where solar panels could effectively be deployed. The search led officials to the Town Hall garage where panels could be installed and generate 173,000 kWh of electricity. This would be about 25% of the Town Hall power demand. Moran said more would be done to study the promise of this option.

Additionally, the council reviewed a recommendation from the Environmental Advisory Commission to launch a food waste composting program. Staff estimates that Leesburg spends more than $200,000 annually to throw away food waste. The commission has proposed an educational campaign to encourage residents to try their hand at composting in their backyards and for the town to consider food waste drop-off locations.

Council members have shown support for the initiative.

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