Energy efficiency firm Ameresco began work on a $1.6 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Alpena County in northeastern Michigan.
Expected to be completed by the end of the year, it is projected that the ESPC will save the county more than $100,000 in annual energy and operational savings through numerous energy efficiency and critical infrastructure improvements throughout county-owned buildings and facilities.
Prior to beginning work on the ESPC, Ameresco performed a full investment grade audit to identify areas where energy savings measures could be implemented throughout the county’s buildings and facilities. The wide-ranging ESPC will involve the implementation of several energy conservation measures in multiple facilities including the Northern Lights Arena, jail, courthouse, pool, county fairgrounds, airport, annex and Michigan Department of Correction offices.
The upgrades across county buildings will include new lighting, building envelope and weatherization improvements, water conservation measures, HVAC building automation expansions and mechanical improvements.
The ESPC project will streamline all control of county equipment into one open, non-proprietary system with web-access and remote alerts. Ameresco will also replace the old boiler and mechanical equipment at the county’s pool with a high efficiency boiler to improve comfort and operating costs.
Once complete, these measures will improve performance, control and comfort at County facilities as well as reduce maintenance and operating costs. In addition to expected savings on energy and operating costs, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 601 metric tons, which is the equivalent of taking 125 cars off the road or avoiding consumption of nearly 1,400 barrels of oil.
By Electric Light & Power