LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan chapter of the Energy Services Coalition (ESC) presented two Johnson Controls Inc. customers with ESC 2016 Leadership in Energy Efficiency Awards during an awards ceremony Nov. 9 in Lansing, Michigan.

West Branch Regional Medical Center, West Branch, Michigan, and Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Ann Arbor, Michigan, took advantage of energy performance contracts with Johnson Controls and achieved annual energy savings exceeding $200,000.

Energy performance contracts are expected to become more common throughout Michigan following a new law that provides local governments with flexible financing plans to conserve energy. Under the law, which went into effect Aug. 17, governing bodies overseeing cities, counties, townships, and village councils can enter into financing arrangements known as Tax-Exempt Lease Purchases (TELPs). TELPs are not considered debt for local governments and help make energy performance contracts more effective.

Dedicated in 1999, West Branch Regional Medical Center is an 88-bed acute care facility that includes four operating suites and a coronary/intensive care unit. The facility recently partnered with Johnson Controls to enact a number of facility improvement measures to take advantage of energy-cost-reduction opportunities, address numerous infrastructure-deferred maintenance projects, and maximize available utility rebate money. The $1.59 million project produced $180,144 in annual guaranteed energy and operational savings; a $55,432 utility rebate; and reductions of 31.7 percent, 16.8 percent, and 16.3 percent in natural gas, electric, and water utility costs, respectively.

Founded in 1962, Washtenaw Intermediate School District serves Washtenaw County in mid-Michigan. To achieve energy-efficiency goals, the district entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls that has resulted in energy savings of $88,296, exceeding guaranteed cost savings by more than $9,000. The $536,785 project also reduced CO2 emissions by 595 tons and saved the district 539,999 gallons of water a year.

Publication date: 12/19/2016

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