(St.Joseph,MO) An audit of city facilities estimates it would cost nearly $13 million to catch up on the capital needs of various city properties. In a work session Monday evening the city council met with Schneider Electric to review an audit of city facilities.

Schneider Electric began the audit in February to evaluate the energy efficiency of 50 city owned buildings.

Andy Clements, Director of Public Works, said this is the first time the city has done an audit on the energy efficiency of it’s buildings.

“From a review of about 50 facilities, [they are] identifying, of those facilities, what were the worst things that needed the most attention. What items, if acted upon, would generate the most in energy savings to help fund the repairs of those items,” Clements said.

If approved by the council the renovation projects would be broken down into three phases. The projects would focus on capital needs like lighting, overall energy efficiency of the building and any deferred maintenance needs that could reduce overall energy consumption and save the city money.

The dollar amount of the estimated energy savings from the audit hasn’t been finalized. Representatives from Schneider Electric expect to complete the audit and present the final findings to the city council by mid-October.