FRAMINGHAM, Mass., and CAMPTON, Ky. — Ameresco Inc. and the Kentucky School District announced they are partnering on a comprehensive $2.9 million guaranteed energy savings contract (GESC) to improve Wolfe County Schools (WCS) facilities and increase operational efficiency. The upgrades are expected to deliver greater energy efficiency and operational cost savings; improve comfort for students, teachers, staff, and others; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and demonstrate the district’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Working with Ameresco has made it possible for the school district to implement a number of additional energy efficient upgrades in our schools, and to make improvements to the learning environment for our students and staff,” said Kenny Bell, superintendent, Wolfe County Schools. “We’re also pleased that the efficiency measures and upgrades are expected to deliver nearly $150,000 in annual energy savings not only benefiting the schools but the district and our local community for many years to come.”
The project, which is currently underway, provides facility improvements including LED lighting retrofits, water system and building system upgrades across several facilities, as well as complete HVAC replacements at the Red River Valley Elementary and Rogers Elementary Schools. Ameresco’s project is being coordinated with and implemented on the same schedule as a traditionally procured capital project that will provide architectural upgrades to some of Wolfe County Schools’ buildings. That project, managed through Murphy Graves Trimble Architects of Lexington, Kentucky, will be providing all new windows and exterior finishes at the same elementary schools. These improvements are expected to enhance the benefits of the new HVAC systems at the schools as well as update each school’s appearance. In addition, the capital project includes some interior upgrades to restrooms and a new classroom addition at the high school.
“Ameresco commends Superintendent Bell, his staff, and the Wolfe County Board of Education for their leadership and foresight in pursuing projects to update the schools, and for their ongoing commitment to provide a great learning environment for their students,” said Louis P. Maltezos, executive vice president, Ameresco. “Utilizing a GESC is a fiscally-responsible approach to leverage Wolfe County’s existing budgets and current capital project to implement a wide range of additional upgrades and facility improvements.”
The environmental benefits of the project include: an annual reduction of nearly 600,000 kwh of electrical usage, which equates to a reduction of 414 metric tons of CO2; the annual reduction of 48,000 therms of natural gas usage per year, the equivalent of a CO2 reduction of 254 metric tons of CO2 per year; and an annual water reduction of 800,000 gallons per year.
The project encompasses the following facilities: Wolfe County High School, Wolfe County Middle School, Campton Elementary School, Red River Valley Elementary School, Rogers Elementary School, the Central Office and Bus Garage.
For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
Publication date: 6/6/2016
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