By Robert King -- Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — Warren County hopes to "grow green" through a new policy that advocates energy-saving methods.

The Board of Supervisors approved a policy last week requiring an environmental and energy-saving approach to operations and construction.

"It's a method of trying to move away from the old way of doing things, and looking at those items that are beneficial and promote what we do to the public," said Deputy County Administrator Richard J. Magnifico.

The county already has an extensive recycling program in place, and hopes to adopt further energy-saving and environmental methods.

County officials are studying ways to save energy costs for operations.

Magnifico cited one example of computer software that puts a computer or printer "to sleep" if it isn't used for 30 minutes, thus saving energy.

The county also would use double-sided paper copying whenever possible, according to the policy. Another method is determining "which supplies are over-packaged," the policy reads.

The policy emphasizes using e-mails instead of sending out paper copies.

The county also is looking into energy alternatives.

"We are investigating the issue of alternative energy such as solar for the schools for a number of things [like] heating hot water [and] auxiliary heat," Magnifico said.

Construction methods for new buildings also must meet energy-efficiency standards under the new policy. Standards include efficient lighting, use of "sustainable" building materials, and green roofs, which are partially or completely covered by vegetation.

Magnifico admitted that many of the methods in the new policy are more expensive. Yet the county will weigh the up-front costs against the savings in its energy bill.

"You really just have to make the effort, and do the discovery and get good information," he said. "I think the homeowner will do the same thing we will do. We will look at the initial cost, [and] the break-even point."

The county already has changed the way it bids on new equipment.

"We will bid on equipment [that has an energy efficiency rating], and on what's available in the market," Magnifico said.

For example, the county just sought bids for work on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the treasurer's office.

"One of criteria for selection was not just price, but the energy-efficiency rating for the piece of equipment," Magnifico said.

Supervisors were open to the idea of the county "growing green."

Happy Creek District Supervisor Tony Carter suggested board members could use laptops during a meeting to save the paper used to make meeting packets.

Magnifico said the county wants to be a role model for the public regarding the new environmental policies.

"Hopefully, if the county adopts [these] practices that may be followed through by [the public]," he said.

* Contact Robert King at rking@nvdaily.com