by Brianna Crandall — April 13, 2011—The city of Rome, New York, and Johnson Controls announced on March 5 that the energy savings from a citywide energy efficiency program total more than $700,000 since the project began.
In March 2008, the city selected Johnson Controls to help reduce its utility costs and carbon footprint through an energy conservation program. By 2024, Rome is expected to realize more than $8.5 million in energy, operations and maintenance savings and projected revenues as a result of this project.
Among the infrastructure improvements is the energy-efficient, diffused aeration system at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The system increases the WWTP’s capacity to handle additional sewage-based waste streams, so the city plans to increase waste treatment revenues by accepting septic loads from external sources. The increased capacity will also support economic development opportunities since the plant can now handle additional large commercial businesses in Rome.
Johnson Controls also installed variable-speed drives on low-lift pumps at the water filtration plant and implemented data-tracking management tools and lighting retrofits at various facilities. In addition, City Hall, City Yard, Rome Arts Center, the central fire station, police department offices and other municipal buildings received energy upgrades.
The energy efficiency upgrades are part of a 15-year performance contract between the city and Johnson Controls. The improvements are funded through a performance contracting model, which enables the city to offset the costs of the improvements with energy and operational savings over time.
