Ameresco Partners with Public Schools of the Tarrytowns on Major Energy Retrofit Project

Energy efficiency improvements expected to save New York School District over $100,000 annually

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that it has entered into an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. Located in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, New York, the district lies 20 miles to the north of New York City on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. Ameresco will provide energy efficiency upgrades to the Sleepy Hollow High School, Sleepy Hollow Middle School, John Paulding Elementary School, and the District's administration building.

"We are excited to bring these energy efficiency upgrades to the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and are proud to serve as an example to other districts," said John Staiger, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. "This long-term project will help the District save thousands of dollars over its lifetime, opening up additional funding for educational programs. It will also help teach our students about the importance of energy efficiency."

With the final approval of the New York State Education Department (SED), the $1.2 million project includes upgrades for a total of 346,690 square feet of space and will require no upfront capital costs from the School District. With approval, the project is expected to be funded in part by the SED; and the District is expected to save more than $2.5 million over the course of the 18 year project.

Ameresco completed a thorough energy performance audit for energy consumption in order to better understand the facilities' baseline energy and other utility consumption. Ameresco will design, build, operate and maintain the upgrades and provide the following energy conservation measures for the district:

    --  Lighting System Improvements
    --  Lighting Controls
    --  Integrated and New Energy Management System
    --  Infiltration Reduction
    --  Steam Trap Repair/Replacement
    --  Pipe Insulation
    --  Computer Load Management
    --  Kitchen Valves
    --  Boiler Replacements
    --  Unit Ventilator Replacements
    --  GPS Clocks

"We are pleased to partner with the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, delivering energy costs savings by increasing energy efficiency through an energy savings performance contract," said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco. "We applaud the district for making critical energy infrastructure improvements, lowering their operating costs, and meeting their sustainability goals by reducing their carbon footprint."

An ESPC is a budget-neutral way to reduce energy use and associated costs, and renew facilities and building systems without burdening shrinking capital budgets. Under this ESPC, Ameresco will pay all costs involved in identifying and installing the upgraded energy-efficiency equipment. The resulting cost savings will offset the costs of these improvements over 18 years. Ameresco will also provide savings verification.

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 February 10, 2011