Durham, North Carolina is addressing significant challenges in water and energy management as part of its broader commitment to infrastructure modernization and carbon neutrality. Despite the city’s economic growth and median household income of nearly $60,000, Durham faces economic disparities with a poverty rate of 15.2%. National studies show that 10% of U.S. households spend more than 4.5% of their income on water and sewer services, with the poorest 10% spending an average of 6.8%. Durham’s 2021 Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan commits to reducing energy consumption in city buildings by at least 30% by 2040 and powering city operations with 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The project will focus on three key work streams: optimizing processes to reduce energy consumption at water treatment facilities, exploring and implementing alternative energy sources to minimize waste and lower carbon footprint, and developing precise methods for measuring energy consumption through detailed usage dashboards. The FUSE Executive Fellow will conduct SWOT analyses focused on alternative energy sources and pump metering equipment to guide efficiency improvements. Through predictive maintenance models, market research for equipment upgrades, and implementation of performance measurement systems, the project aims to increase affordability, sustainability, and water/energy conservation for all Durham residents while helping the city achieve its broader carbon neutrality goals.