Nov 9 2010
Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced a partnership with the City of Englewood, CO, designed to reduce costs and generate renewable energy for the municipality.
This extensive, two-tiered program includes the installation of a solar energy system and an energy conservation program. The energy efficiency project will be introduced on Monday, November 8, during a 3:00 p.m. MST ribbon-cutting ceremony for the photovoltaic system.
Englewood Mayor Jim Woodward recognizes the long-term benefits of these strategic efforts. “The program we’ve developed with Ameresco is both environmentally and fiscally sound. It will reduce our energy usage and dangerous emissions, produce clean energy, and provide the City with ongoing lower utility expenses. The project will fund itself as the capital outlay funded by Ameresco will be repaid through the guaranteed savings accrued from these new efficiencies. This new initiative is a win for Englewood on every level.”
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on four City-owned sites and are expected to generate 300,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually, which represents about 4% of the city buildings’ usage post energy efficiency retrofits. The state-of-the-art poly-crystalline PV-based panels utilized in this project are recognized for reliable performance, cost-efficiencies, and longevity.
Tom Plant from the Governor of Colorado’s Energy Office (GEO) believes the Englewood project can serve as a model for the people of Colorado. “This is an excellent example of a public/private partnership where a town is able to upgrade its energy infrastructure, reduce its long-term operating costs and have a beneficial effect on the environment.”
In addition, an aggressive, energy conservation program will self-fund the replacement and/or retrofitting of HVAC equipment, hot water pumps, and lighting as well as the installation of “smart” building control systems. Cost savings resulting from this energy overhaul are estimated at almost $130,000 annually. Equally important, the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere, including nitrous and sulfuric oxides and carbon dioxide, will be significantly reduced.
“We applaud the Governor’s Energy Office, Mayor Woodward and City Manager Sears for their leadership and foresight in making Englewood and Colorado true energy leaders,” said George Tocquigny, Regional Director, Ameresco. “The conservation measures that Ameresco will deploy for Englewood are the equivalent of taking 326 cars off the road or producing enough energy to power 113 homes annually. Clearly, the environmental and economic benefits will be real, measurable and significant for the people of Englewood.”
Source: http://www.ameresco.com/