LANSING — Ameresco Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), the Framingham,
Mass.-based energy efficiency and renewable energy
developer, this week announced the completion of $437,000
in energy efficiency upgrades to the Saginaw Plaza office
building in Lansing.
The building is leased to the state of Michigan and houses the
Michigan Agency for Energy and the Michigan Public Service
Commission.
The upgrades were celebrated with an open house Monday at
the building, at 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing.
The project is expected to save $25,000 a year in energy
costs. Included are interior and exterior LED lighting, an
energy kiosk, and a new pole-mounted 20kw solar array.
Additional energy conservation measures were identified and
installed as a result of Ameresco’s energy audit including a
new roof, more energy efficient insulation, two electric vehicle
charging stations, weatherization and programmable LED
simulated skylights by Ann Arbor-based Arborlight.
“Reducing energy waste is the best answer for Michigan
taxpayers and ratepayers, and it is exciting to be part of
building a better energy future for Michigan,” said Valerie
Brader, executive director for the Michigan Agency for Energy.
Through the project, MAE and MPSC became the first state
energy agencies in the nation to use Property Assessed
Clean Energy (PACE) financing for energy efficiency and
renewable energy. PACE gave the building’s owner the
opportunity to obtain 20-year, fixed-rate financing for the clean
energy measures. PACE gives financing for energy efficiency
projects the same repayment priority as property taxes, which
prompts funders to make energy efficiency loans on longer
terms — up to 20 years. PACE can be used to pay for new
heating and cooling systems, lighting improvements, solar
panels, water pumps, insulation, and more for almost any
commercial, industrial, non-profit, and agricultural property.
PACE financing stays with the building with an assessment
added to the property’s tax bill upon sale. Local governments
sponsor PACE financing to create jobs, promote economic
development, and protect the environment.
The annual emissions reduction from this project is expected
to be approximately 157 metric tons of CO2. It is the
equivalent of taking 33.1 passenger cars off the road; or the
carbon sequestered by 129 acres of U.S. forests in one year
or 4,026 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
The Michigan Agency for Energy coordinates, analyzes,
advises on and advocates for the state’s policies, programs
and proposals related to energy. MAE also provides energy
related information and assistance to state departments and
agencies. More at www.michigan.gov/energy.
The MPSC regulates Michigan utilities and
telecommunications providers to ensure that energy and
communications services are provided in an efficient, reliable,
and safe manner to adequately meet the needs of Michigan
residents. More at www.michigan.gov/mpsc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco provides services in energy
efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and
renewable energy for businesses and organizations
throughout North America and Europe. Ameresco’s
sustainability 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. The
company has more than 1,000 employees providing local
expertise in the United States, Canada, and the United
Kingdom. More at www.ameresco.com.