Ameresco Quantum Partners with Washington School Districts and Community and Technical Colleges to Obtain $21M in Grants for Energy Saving Improvements

Energy Efficiency Awards Made Possible by State 2010 Jobs Act

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and RENTON, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that its business unit Ameresco Quantum, Inc. has partnered with 21 school districts and 8 community and technical colleges throughout Washington state to help them obtain $21 million in grants for energy conservation project costs valued at over $46 million. The state funding, which was part of the 2010 Jobs Act for Public K-12 and Higher Education, is for energy and operational efficiency projects that will create jobs and reduce costs.

"We are thrilled that our customers have been so successful in obtaining state support for much needed energy efficiency improvements at their facilities," said Mike O'Connor, Vice President, Northwest Region for Ameresco Quantum. "These projects will create jobs in the construction phase and once completed, they will result in significant, guaranteed cost savings for these schools and community colleges while reducing impacts on the environment."

To date, Ameresco Quantum clients have been awarded 37 grants for energy savings performance contracts, more than any other energy services company. Ameresco estimates the economic activity associated with this work will create 690 jobs and generate over $4 million in sales tax revenue. The company will guarantee minimum reductions in annual energy use for the projects totaling 20 million kWh and $1.7 million per year. The energy savings is equivalent to the annual energy use of more than 1,535 Northwest single family homes and a reduction in CO2 emissions of nearly 20 million pounds per year.

Recipients of the grants include:

K-12 School Districts: Auburn School District, Battle Ground School District, Bethel School District, Camas School District, Central Kitsap School District, Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, Issaquah School District, Montesano School District, North Mason School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Puyallup School District, Quilcene School District, Renton School District, Selah School District, Selkirk School District, Shelton School District, South Kitsap School District, Tumwater School District, Walla Walla Public Schools, Washtucna School District and Wishkah Valley School District.

Community & Technical Colleges: Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Grays Harbor College, Olympic College, Seattle Central Community College, Skagit Valley College, South Puget Sound Community College and Wenatchee Valley College.

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 55 offices in 29 states and four Canadian provinces. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com

    Source: Ameresco, Inc.

Released November 1, 2010