An Energy Conservation Demonstration Project was initiated in 1986 by the Nebraska Energy Office, which sought grant proposals to showcase and encourage innovative energy conservation and efficiency approaches. The funding for these grants stemmed from the Exxon Oil Overcharge settlement, a result of court rulings determining that numerous major oil companies engaged in price control violations from 1973 to 1981. The federal government allocated these funds to states as compensation for consumers harmed by the overcharges.

Courthouse Trail, chosen from over 400 funding applicants, focused on five historic county courthouses requiring energy consumption reduction. Obsolete equipment and structural issues resulted in makeshift solutions for climate discomfort and temperature extremes, leading to inefficient energy use and rising utility costs that threatened building operations.

Existing energy consumption data from 1983 to 1986 was collected for twenty-five applicants. Five participants were selected based on geographical location and potential improvements. Site analyses and interviews with local officials established energy priorities. Recommended improvements, approved by the Nebraska Energy Office, led to the preparation of construction documents and contractor bids. Following contractor selection, construction began, and post-improvement energy consumption data was collected from April 1990 for one year to assess cost and energy savings.

More importantly, the project identified an energy conservation strategy that can be implemented in local government facilities to:

1.Carefully analyze the existing conditions and develop master plan to improve and monitor energy consumption.

2. Design and implement controls for the existing or planned heating and air conditioning systems.

3. Design and implement improvements in the heating and air conditioning sources.

4. Design and improve the thermal resistance in the roof

5. Design and improve the thermal efficiency of the structure’s walls, doors and windows.