An Innovative Approach to Resilience in Public Facilities

Montgomery County is a sizeable government that found itself with an equally sizeable problem. With 9,000 employees and 400 buildings totaling 9 million square feet, the Maryland county has a budget as large or bigger than many states. Bordering Washington, D.C., with over 1 million people, the county represents 16% of the state’s economy.

Even before installing microgrids, Montgomery County was a clean energy leader. As early as 2009, the county set a goal to reduce greenhouse gases. In 2017, the county set an aggressive goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2027 and a 100% reduction by 2035. The county has also installed 7.6 MW of solar, taken steps to make its buildings more energy efficient, and with the help of Schneider Electric’s energy and sustainability services, buys 100% clean energy for its facilities. Today, Montgomery County has achieved carbon neutrality, but seeks more directed efficiency through renewables and microgrids.

The county is making significant strides in sustainability, safety and security. Microgrids and other upgrades to critical facilities have also improved the county’s resilience, keeping residents safe and providing needed services even in the event of prolonged power outages.

This white paper explores how Montgomery County increased resilience, upgraded electrical infrastructure and enhance sustainability by installing microgrids at two of its critical county facilities.