Framingham Company Helps Lowell Become More Energy Efficient

Framingham-based Ameresco and the City of Lowell Leaders held a ceremony
to recognize the completion of upgrades to 47 municipal buildings, expected to save Lowell over $1.5 million in energy costs annually.

As part of a ribbon-cutting event hosted at Lowell City Hall, Ameresco executives recognized the economic and environmental benefits of the $21.1 million energy savings performance contract with Massachusetts State Sen. Eileen Donoghue (D-Lowell), Massachusetts Director of the Green Communities Division Meg Lusardi, Lowell Mayor Patrick Ó. Murphy and City Manager Bernard F. Lynch, as well as state officials and members of the Lowell City Council.

All told, the city-wide infrastructure upgrade and energy efficiency project, which included 47 of Lowell's municipal buildings, is expected to produce annual energy savings of more than $1.5 million over a 20 year contract.

This represents approximately 25 percent savings overall.

In 2010, Lowell earned the Green Community designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). Building on its sustainability progress, Lowell received the 2011 Municipal Leading by Example Award from the Massachusetts Leading by Example Program.

"Lowell has taken a bold, comprehensive approach to managing its energy use," said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia in a press release. "As one of the state's 86 designated Green Communities, Lowell is taking control of its own energy future. The City's energy investments will bring economic and environmental benefits to the community and serve as a model of how municipal energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy technologies keep municipal dollars in the community."

"Lowell is a pioneer in terms of developing innovative and efficient strategies to conserve energy," said Donoghue in a press statement. "Ameresco proved to be an incredible partner for the City of Lowell. Ultimately, energy conservation benefits our environment while generating significant cost savings for our cities and towns - I think other cities will soon be following Lowell's lead."

As part of the of the contract , Ameresco implemented over 23 energy conservation measures, including electrical, mechanical, weatherization, water and operational upgrades at 28 schools and 19 municipal facilities. Most significantly, boiler and chiller replacements were installed at City Hall, Lowell Pollard Memorial Library, and the JFK Civic Center, allowing improved comfort at all the facilities.

"By using the performance contract approach with Ameresco, we were able to address several important City priorities of improving our facilities, saving money and being environmentally proactive in reducing the use of energy," said the City Manager of Lowell in a statement. "The benefit of this approach is that these can be achieved without direct expenditure of funds and we got access to their vast experience. Ameresco assisted in securing financing for the project, which will be repaid through energy cost savings."

Originally identified under the ESPC, Ameresco designed, installed, and now operates five roof-top mounted solar PV systems totaling 341.9 kW at three elementary schools, a middle school, and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. "This is a great way for the City of Lowell to reinvest in its schools and other facilities while saving money and lessening our impact upon the environment," said Lowell Mayor Murphy in a statement.

Through a Power Purchase Agreement  that will allow Lowell to accrue green community and environmental benefits, the new system will allow the City to purchase electricity at a discounted rate over a 20 year contract term without incurring capital costs.

Ameresco is currently in the design phase of a second 1.9 kW PV project for a ground-mounted system on a capped landfill.

"The City of Lowell has shown true vision and leadership by embracing renewable and energy efficiency solutions that will benefit the entire community. We are proud to be their partner to enhance their municipal building infrastructure and focus on environmental sustainability and stewardship," said William J. Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. "Not only are these projects expected to result in significant energy cost savings for the City, but they also allow members of the community to witness first-hand the implementation of clean energy and sustainability practices that will reduce their overall environmental impact."

Due to on-going budget constraints and increasing operational costs, the City of Lowell was facing needed infrastructure upgrades with limited funding.

By partnering with Ameresco, Lowell was able to replace outdated equipment and aging municipal infrastructure, lower utility costs and partially fund a City energy manager position, all on a budget-neutral basis without any upfront capital investment.

In addition, as a result of the energy efficiency measures implemented during the first phase of the project, Lowell is expected to save the equivalent of 6,158 tons of CO2 annually or equal to removing 1,023 cars from the road per year.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. is an independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, Ameresco provides local expertise through its 62 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 900 employees.