Ameresco Receives Energy Award from Massachusetts State Agency

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

An energy conservation project completed by Ameresco that saves Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts nearly $1 million each year in energy costs, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) with one of the department's highest awards for excellence in public design and construction.

Ameresco, based in Framingham, MA, was selected to receive the first ever DCAM 2008 Award for Excellence in the energy category and was presented with the award at a ceremony attended by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on April 16 in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House.

Working in partnership with Bridgewater State administrators, Ameresco will cut the College's annual use of electricity, oil, natural gas and water by more than 25 percent. The project is part of an institution-wide energy and water conservation plan - an integral component of the College's progressive greening policy of environmental responsibility.

The $10.4 million award-winning capital improvement project covers 1.5 million square feet throughout 30 campus buildings. Among the upgrades were high efficiency lighting, a campus-wide energy management system, an underground steam pipeline, new boilers, new air conditioning equipment, a domestic water conservation program, repair of radiator controls in dormitories, a cogeneration system, windows and field house laundering improvements.

Attending the ceremony and representing Bridgewater State College (BSC) were Karen Jason, director of planning and construction, Keith MacDonald, director of facilities, and Denis Maguy, a consultant for BSC.

DCAM is the government office that oversees energy use in state facilities. The Awards in Excellence are presented by DCAM to reinforce the department's commitment to providing outstanding service to the citizens of the Commonwealth. The awards recognize projects, designers, and contractors that have achieved the highest professional standards in the planning, design, and construction of Massachusetts state building projects.

Projects are judged in terms of their quality of design and technical excellence, demonstration of quality construction, and innovation in devising creative solutions to meet clients' specific needs. Projects are also considered on contribution to the physical, historical and cultural context of the project locations, maximization of re-use of existing facilities to preserve resources and continuity, maximization of the use of renewable energy resources, and integration of accessibility issues as a component of the overall design.

    The Department last made awards in 2003.

    About Ameresco:

Ameresco, Inc. is the largest independent comprehensive energy solutions provider in North America. Headquartered in Framingham Massachusetts, Ameresco utilizes innovative strategies, systems, and technologies for renewable and sustainable energy generation and infrastructure renewal, thereby reducing operating expenses, increasing energy reliability and enhancing the environment.

Source: Ameresco, Inc.