Buchanan County wants its buildings more green and efficient, but doesn't plan to spend any money doing it.

Custom Energy, an Overland Park, Kan.-based company, has offered to make substantial improvements to five county buildings, all paid for through energy savings. Eastern District Commissioner Dan Hausman was skeptical at a recent meeting with the company.

"Somewhere there is going to be some upfront costs," he said.

But Dale Hahs, business development manager at Custom Energy, said improvements will be tailor-made to guarantee the county isn't stuck with the cost.

"At the end of the day, we want to make sure what you do is righteous for you and the county," Mr. Hahs said.

He cited efficient lighting, programmable thermostats, motion-sensing lights in bathrooms, and a hybrid vehicle fleet as improvements his company has made to other clients.

Presiding Commissioner R.T. Turner said green improvements are now an investment because of shifting priorities toward cost-cutting.

Waterless urinals, for example, weren't practical in the past because of their higher maintenance costs. But that is changing, he said.

"It's great if we can lower greenhouse gases, but also lower the burden on taxpayers," Mr. Turner said.

Custom Energy has met with the county several times. On Wednesday, commissioners agreed to seek energy savings bids in the coming weeks. "The green part is nice, but it comes down to dollars and cents," Mr. Turner said.

The five county buildings that will be targeted with energy improvements are the courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, Drug Strike Force, Juvenile Detention Center and the county barns. Custom Energy also is in talks with the St. Joseph School District about a more efficient fleet.

Ahmad Safi can be reached at ahmadsafi@npgco.com.