Branson sustainability efforts save taxpayers $2.6M

Last edited 3:22 p.m., July 9, 2018

Work to reduce energy and operations costs in the city of Branson has produced multimillion-dollar results.

Through an initiative called the Branson Sustainability Council, city and Branson Convention Center officials have led efforts to so far save taxpayers $2.6 million, according to a news release.  

Since 2011, an initiative called the Branson Sustainability Council, along with officials from the Branson Convention Center, have led efforts to so far save taxpayers $2.6 million, according to a news release.

Officials cited two examples that made up 43 percent of the $2.6 million in savings: Work started in 2014 to reduce the convention center’s energy bill by $113,049, which includes reducing power to escalators during off-hours; and a 2012 energy services contract that has decreased overall energy consumption.

“We are proud of the innovative city employees who successfully found ways to do their jobs in a way that is better for our budget, our organization and the planet,” Branson City Administrator Stan Dobbins said in the release.

City employees are incentivized for implementing sustainability ideas by awarding them bonuses or paid time off, said city spokeswoman Melody Pettit.

Other sustainability projects that have been implemented include LED lighting at the Branson RecPlex, a nonpotable water system for cooling, and an electronic accident reporting and document system, according to the release. Pettit said those projects reduced costs by more than $160,000.