The township computers will go dark soon in Cranberry, and police cars will stop running.
That is, when those items and others like coffee machines and lights are not being used. The township is pushing employees to turn them off and stop idling cars as it embarks on an ambitious plan to make the most of its resources.
"These are things that we can do relatively quickly," said Jason Dailey, Cranberry's public works director.
More is coming.
The changes are just the start of goals outlined in a long-term 200-page study about smart growth. Officials say they will enact its recommendations over decades.
It was prepared by Sustainable Pittsburgh, a Downtown smart-growth advocacy group. Its objectives, which have been adopted by Cranberry's supervisors, will take into account energy, conservation, human resources, "green" purchasing, recycling, affordable housing, zoning and public transportation.
"Cranberry is on the path to sustainability and a higher quality of life," said John Trant, the township's chief strategic planning officer.
Among the longer-term goals of the plan are obtaining internationally recognized environmental management standards and certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
"Our primary goal in deciding to undertake this initiative was to continue improving the quality of life for Cranberry's residents," board of supervisors Chairman Dick Hadley said. "Along the way, we should be able to reduce the cost of providing services, build property values and enhance our natural environment."
In some ways, Cranberry already has taken steps toward more efficient use of its resources.
Nearly all of the township's traffic lights now use LED bulbs, which save thousands of dollars in electric costs each year.
The township-owned golf course, Cranberry Highlands, is kept lush with treated wastewater, which reduces overall water consumption.
The fast-growing township is far ahead of other communities in the state in looking toward a planned future, said Court Gould, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh.
"In addition to using wastewater for the golf course, Cranberry has been a pioneer in the use of impact fees and progressive zoning that encouraged mixed-use development," Gould said.
Impact fees paid by developers help pay for public services, such as water and widened roads.
