PITTSBURGH --
The city of Pittsburgh is taking new strides in its commitment to going green.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced Monday that solar equipment will be installed at a city firehouse beginning October 2009.
The equipment will heat the water supply, eliminating the need for natural gas.
"[It will also] reduce our carbon footprint, save money, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," said Ravenstahl.
Local Firehouse Truck 34 located on Central Avenue in the city's North Side neighborhood will be the first receive the installation.
Five similar solar installations will follow in subsequent months.
Carnegie Mellon University is working in cooperation with City officials to analyze energy data and to determine other specifics about the installation.
The Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency will provide solar equipment training for relevant city employees, including building inspectors, plumbers and electricians.
"In addition, the 'green-collar' skills our employees will learn will allow us to grow our clean energy economy and further Pittsburgh's story of environmental transformation in advance of the G-20 summit," said Ravenstahl.
The installation process should be complete by the end of 2010.
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