Washington Gov. Inslee Joins Bates Technical College and Ameresco to Announce Next Round of Energy Efficiency Grants
Ameresco
Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy
company, joined with officials from Bates Technical College to host Gov.
Jay Inslee and local leaders on Wednesday, March 13, to announce the
award recipients for the second round of 2012 energy efficiency grants
from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Ameresco customers
awarded grants include: Olympic College, Pierce Colleges, Green River
Community College, City of Olympia, City of Renton, City of Edmonds,
City of Kirkland, City of Lacey, Spokane County, Island County, Grays
Harbor County, Okanagan County, Kittitas County, and the Port of
Longview.
Bates Technical College, a previous state grant recipient, partnered
with Ameresco to complete a multi-phase $5 million energy efficiency
upgrade project for the College. The $2.1 million in State energy
efficiency grants Bates received was part of the 2010 Jobs Act, which
like those announced today, supported energy and operational efficiency
projects that create jobs and reduce costs.
The energy project at Bates focused on updating building systems at the
College’s Downtown Campus, South Campus and Mohler Campus facilities.
The improvements have increased energy efficiency and upgraded important
facility systems, which in turn have helped Bates Technical College to
save energy, reduce costs and lower the college’s carbon footprint.
“The energy efficiency improvements completed by Bates Technical College
and Ameresco demonstrate the tremendous progress being made with these
state grants towards a more sustainable future for Washington State,”
said Ron Langrell, President of Bates Technical College. “The approach
used here serves as a powerful example to other educational institutions
and organizations as it demonstrates how large-scale energy efficiency
projects can both drive sustainability and economic development.”
In addition to Gov. Inslee, the event hosted at the South Campus
featured Bates Technical College President Ron Langrell, Bates Trustee
and Labor Representative Mike Grunwald, Department of Commerce Director
Brian Bonlender, Tacoma Power Superintendent Ted Coates, Fritz Feiten of
Ameresco, Noah Reandeau representing the Northwest Energy Efficiency
Council, and student representatives.
“Bates Technical College was honored to host Gov. Inslee to highlight
the benefits of these grants and to showcase how our work with Ameresco
has benefited our bottom line while improving student life,” added
President Langrell. “This budget-neutral project has enabled the college
to apply cost savings from energy-efficient equipment to help renew
campus facilities and building systems, all supported by this innovative
state grant program.”
The Bates Technical College energy efficiency project with Ameresco has
included lighting retrofits, a major upgrade and modernization of the
College’s Energy Management System (EMS), boiler replacements, heating
piping repairs, and central chiller plant upgrades at the Downtown
Campus; domestic hot water and other measures at the South Campus; and
lighting and other measures at the Mohler Campus. The project is
expected to reduce annual energy consumption by over 2.6 million kWh and
7,756 therms and water consumption by over 6,000 CCF, which is expected
to result in over $170,000 in annual utility savings. In addition to
generating significant energy savings, the improvements are expected to
also reduce greenhouse gas emissions – including over 2.7 million pounds
of CO2 annually.
“We were pleased to join the event with the Governor to recognize our
successful partnership with Bates Technical College while showcasing the
extensive energy efficiency improvements to the campus,” said Mike
O'Connor, Vice President, Northwest Region, Ameresco. “Bates Technical
College is one of many customers that we have successfully worked with
to obtain state support for much needed energy efficiency projects, and
we have seen first-hand the jobs that are created during construction
and the significant cost savings and positive environmental impacts upon
completion.”
About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent
provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure
upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for
facilities throughout North America. Ameresco’s services include
upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development,
construction and operation of renewable energy plants. Ameresco has
successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible
projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and
educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and
industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA,
Ameresco provides local expertise through its 65 offices in 34 states
and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 900 employees. For
more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
About Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College is Washington State’s largest public technical
college, offering certificate and degree opportunities in career
education, distance learning, extended learning and apprenticeship
training. For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu,
or call 253-680-7000.