Jun 13 2014
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) and NORESCO, a national leader in energy efficiency and energy infrastructure solutions, have entered into a $3.8 million guaranteed energy savings agreement for work on the Greensboro, North Carolina, campus.
NORESCO specializes in the development, design, construction, financing and operation of energy- and environmental-efficiency projects and is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp..
The project is funded by reductions in energy usage over a 17.25-year contract term, with no upfront cost to taxpayers for improvements to university buildings and systems. It includes lighting, steam system and weatherization improvements, installation of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, retro-commissioning at selected buildings and a preventive maintenance program. Construction is expected to occur over 14 months.
As part of the agreement, NORESCO guarantees annual energy consumption savings of more than $300,000 after the improvements are fully implemented. Energy reductions will also reduce the carbon footprint of the university, with an expected annual improvement equivalent to removing 881 cars from the roadways.
N.C. A&T began collaboration with NORESCO in 2012 to deliver the university's first energy savings performance contract to identify opportunities and implement initiatives designed to conserve energy, reduce costs and create sustainable solutions for the campus. Improvements to buildings, infrastructure and learning environments will support the university's continuing growth from its roots as a land-grant institution, established in 1891, to contemporary leadership roles in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy and the environment.
"The university's leadership understands that in order to effectively accomplish the goals outlined in N.C. A&T's Preeminence 2020 plan, we must have efficient facilities," said Andrew Perkins, associate vice chancellor of facilities, N.C. A&T State University. "With NORESCO's help, we are transforming an engineering and construction project into teachable moments that support A&T's core goals across many dimensions."
University students participated hands-on as the project began with energy audits of campus buildings and equipment. Other university students and students from local K-12 schools gained exposure to the project and the energy-efficiency industry through campus educational events, such as Earth Day programs and energy fairs. The local economy benefits from NORESCO's subcontracting plan, developed in conjunction with the university, which calls for use of local and in-state talent to deliver the majority of the project. A significant portion of work is expected to be subcontracted to minority firms.
"N.C. A&T leaders recognized the environmental and financial benefit of reducing energy consumption and applying the value of energy savings to building improvements," said Jim Williams, regional general manager, NORESCO. "NORESCO is pleased the university has entrusted a project to us that will deliver energy savings and fuel the intellectual enthusiasm of students, faculty and staff members."
Added Melissa Hargrove, senior account executive, NORESCO, "Not so long ago, I was a student at N.C. A&T taking the same engineering courses that current students I've met are taking. I am proud to support my alma mater as both an alumna and a contractor, and I am excited about the building improvements the university and NORESCO will deliver to the campus community together."
Source: http://www.noresco.com/