In recognition of significant energy efficiency investment and demonstrated energy cost savings at facilities throughout the state, Energy Services Coalition – Michigan Chapter (ESC) announced today five recipients of the Leaders in Energy Efficiency award.The honorees at the ESC’s Sixth Annual Awards event included the City of Grand Rapids, Manistee Public Schools, Riverview Public Schools, Washtenaw Intermediate School District and West Branch Regional Medical Facility. Also, Rep. Al Pscholka (District 79), MI House of Representatives, was recognized for leadership in passing Public Acts 119-123 of 2016, which enable municipalities to finance Energy Savings Performance Contracts with another cost-effective option and Public Act 485 of 2014, which provided the ability to enhanced Energy Savings Performance Contracting at Michigan Community Colleges.
Collectively, this year’s recipients, who oversee energy consumption, invested nearly $8.0 million in energy efficiency improvements through performance contracting. The investments are saving more than $689,000 annually. In the period of 2011-2016, the ESC Michigan Chapter has recognized recipients for a total of $112.9 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy investments and $7.6 million in annual savings.
Performance contracts allow building owners to make energy and water cost-saving improvements in facility operations and equipment, and pay for the improvements using future avoided energy costs. Some common improvements include upgrades, repairs and/or replacement of HVAC equipment and building controls, building envelope, interior and exterior lighting, pumps and motors, and other deferred maintenance items. Improvements can also include renewable energy generation systems.
“An energy performance contract is a great solution for public and private organizations as it eliminates the challenge of the heavy upfront investment — which is often the biggest barrier to implementing energy-saving technologies and much needed building improvements,” said Diane Mills, ESC-Michigan Chapter President. “It is an investment that not only pays for itself, but provides a strong catalyst for job growth in local communities.”
The annual awards event attracts energy efficiency experts from around the state and this year the event was held at the offices of the Michigan Agency for Energy. The event featured a keynote address by Lieutenant Governor, Brian Calley and a facilitated panel discussion with the award recipients.
Following is the project list by size and savings that were honored with a 2016 ESC-MI Chapter award:
- City of Grand Rapids: $1.9M and $146,000 in annual cost savings.
- Manistee Area Public Schools: $2.35M and $148,000 in annual cost savings.
- Riverview Public Schools: $1.14M and $78,000 in annual cost savings.
- Washtenaw Intermediate School District: $.97M and $137,000 in annual cost savings.
- West Branch Regional Medical Center: $1.59M and $180,000 in annual cost savings.
The Energy Services Coalition is a public private partnership promoting the benefits of, providing education on, and serving as an advocate for the widespread use of energy performance contracting in public and private facilities.
