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When the new Laurel police station opens this spring, it will include recycled tile, energy-efficient windows and reflective roofing — components that the city says will save money in the long-run.

The building, which is located at Route 198 and Fifth Street and formerly housed First Baptist Church, is projected to open in March, said Paul McCullagh, director of the city's Public Works department.

Most of the project's energy-efficient features simply involve using the most up-to-date technology, said city engineer Bryon White. One example, he said, will be the installation of new heating and cooling systems.

"It's just a better product," White said. "Your AC unit is so much better than it was 40 or 50 years ago."

Aside from the physical items in the building, a list of 20 "green" features provided by the city also includes the building's proximity to several bus stops. The project's use of an existing structure is another major step toward sustainability, according to the document.

Over time, McCullagh said he expects the added green features to save the city about 30 percent in its energy bills. The gas and electric bills at the existing facility totaled about $76,000 during the last fiscal year.

McCullagh said several of the energy efficient measures have been funded by grants, including $93,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to pay for the windows.

As a whole, however, the project's cost, originally contracted for $3.9 million, has increased by about $300,000, McCullagh said. He said the jump, which primarily went to components such as security features and other site improvements, has been absorbed by savings in the department's street improvement budget. A drop in gas prices and increased competition for contracting bids has enabled the city to save money on several other projects, McCullagh said.

"When you have a lot more competition, you get better bid prices, and that's what happened," he said.

City Councilman Michael R. Leszcz (At-Large) said he believes focusing on energy-efficient upgrades is a good business model for the city to follow. Officials are currently thinking about introducing legislation that would require all new city buildings to adhere to certain energy standards, he said.

"It may cost you a few dollars more when you do it, but in the long run, it'll save you money," he said.

McCullagh said he did not have exact numbers on the added expense of the building's energy-efficient features but said their economic benefits will outweigh their cost within about five years.