by Shane Henson — June 10, 2011—Ameresco, Inc., an energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced that it recently signed a contract to conduct Investment Grade Audits under a new phase of a budget-neutral Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Portland Public Schools.
Because school districts in the Northwest have been rapidly embracing energy performance contracting, Ameresco said it has opened an office in Portland to better serve the growing regional demand. Previous phases of work for the Portland Public School District have included HVAC and lighting efficiency projects for the Beaumont Middle School, Cleveland High School, George Middle School and Wilson High School.
The latest phase of Ameresco work at Portland Public Schools is expected to include efficiency measures at six other schools. The energy conservation measures include new lighting and controls, new HVAC equipment and controls and new plumbing fixtures. The total building area is approximately 1.6 million square feet.
The district’s goals are to reduce energy and water costs while improving the learning environment. The project is expected to provide an average annual savings of $450,000. Funding will be provided by federal low-interest loans, which may be augmented with energy tax credits and other state funds.
Additionally, Ameresco announced it signed contracts with three other school districts in Clark County, Washington totaling $3.7 million. They include the Camas School District, the Battle Ground School District and the Hockinson School District.
