FRAMINGHAM, Mass., and HONOLULU — Ameresco Inc. announced that it is beginning implementation of a $17.4 million energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with the state of Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). This ESPC project is expected to save DAGS more than a million dollars in the first year and lower operational costs by $28 million over the 20 year term. The scope of this ESPC project will incorporate 22 energy conservation and renewable energy measures across 33 state-owned buildings on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big Island.

“I commend DAGS and Ameresco for working together in developing a comprehensive efficiency and renewable energy project that is on target with our commitment to energy independence and sustainability,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “Ameresco’s innovative approach will assist DAGS in reaching its energy savings and emission reduction goals.”

The design-build DAGS project is expected to reduce energy and water consumption through the installation of state-of-the-art technology in the 33 buildings, and will also generate renewable energy at 13 facilities. The approximate two-year design-build implementation period will include energy conservation measures such as replacing or retrofitting 13,000 light fixtures, expanding the energy management system (EMS) to include 2,750 control points, installing seven new chillers with state-of-the-art bearing-less compressors, and replacing 53 transformers with premium efficiency custom-wound transformers. The new photovoltaic (PV) arrays will consist of over 3,370 solar panels connected to 17 inverters spread across the five islands.

The new solar arrays are expected to cumulatively generate about 1.3 million kilowatt hours a year in renewable power from the sun, which will help DAGS facilities lower the state’s dependence on electricity produced from fossil-fueled power plants.

The annual emissions reduction is expected to be approximately 5.6 million pounds of CO2, 14,200 pounds of SO2, and 12,700 pounds of N2O.

“While creating local economic opportunity, Ameresco is excited to play a key role in supporting the State of Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative and contributing to its ambitious quest to satisfy 70 percent of its energy needs by 2030 through energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said David J. Anderson, executive vice president, Ameresco.

For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

Publication date: 1/6/2014

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