Colorado's Las Animas County Unveils New Energy and Water Saving Initiatives with Ameresco

Project identifies efficiency measures to save energy and water, reduce emissions for seven county facilities

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced that it signed an agreement with Las Animas County, Colorado to begin the implementation of a budget-neutral Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). Following the recent completion of a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit, Ameresco will start work on a series of energy efficiency and water conserving measures at seven Las Animas County facilities.

As part of the ESPC, Ameresco will demonstrate how the improvements will generate energy and water savings that will cover the associated costs of the project over the term of the contract. In addition, Ameresco assisted the County's solicitation of bids from banks to finance the renovations over the next 10 years, alleviating upfront financial burdens on the County and allowing for near-immediate savings once the upgrades are completed.

"By upgrading existing aged and inefficient equipment, installing state-of-the-art technologies, and making simple changes, like adding door sweeps that eliminate drafts, we expect to save more than $50,000 in the first year, and this is anticipated to increase if future utility rate increases occur," said Leslee Fresquez, Las Animas County Deputy Administrator. "Equally important, we will conserve energy and in doing so, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This project represents a win-win; it doesn't impact the pocketbooks of our taxpayers and it is good for the environment and the County's budget."

The seven county facilities, including the justice center, county courthouse, health department headquarters, fairgrounds grandstand, and the airport were part of this extensive energy and water review. The proposed upgrades to these facilities to help conserve energy and water are extensive, and include:

    --  Energy efficient lighting and motion sensors
    --  Upgraded toilet fixtures with infrared sensors and modified flush valves
    --  Re-commissioning existing HVAC systems
    --  New high-efficiency split system HVAC units
    --  High-efficiency laundry systems
    --  New weather-stripping and door sweeps
    --  Additional perimeter insulation
    --  New high-efficiency boiler

"It was a pleasure to work with the professional, motivated Las Animas County team," said George Tocquigny, Regional Director for Ameresco. "In collaboration with the Colorado Governor's Energy Office consultant, Nexant, we identified a wide range of conservation opportunities for the County. Under the ESPC, we will implement upgrades that are valued at just over $1.1 million, with no upfront cost to the County or its citizens."

The environmental benefits of the current work scope are expected to result in annual energy reductions equivalent to planting 1,042 trees or recycling 91 tons of waste instead of sending to landfills.

An Energy Savings Performance Contract is a budget-neutral way to reduce energy and water use and associated costs, and renew facilities and building systems without burdening shrinking capital budgets. Ameresco will guarantee a minimum level of energy savings over the term of the contract that will at least match the cash requirements for the project, offsetting the costs of these improvements.

About Ameresco, Inc.

Ameresco, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in April 2000 and is a leading independent provider of comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America. Ameresco's solutions include upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure, and the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy plants. With corporate headquarters located in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has 56 offices in 29 states and five Canadian provinces. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

    Source: Ameresco, Inc.

Released July 18, 2011