“Environmental stewardship has always been top of mind in New Paltz so we are thrilled to bring these energy efficiency upgrades to the schools in our district,” said Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, New Paltz Central School District. “This long-term partnership will save our district a tremendous amount of money that can be applied to other important items, such as school activities. Additionally, this work will serve as a valuable teaching tool to show our students, parents and staff about the importance of energy efficiency.”

Once approved by the New York State Education Department (SED), the $4 million project will provide energy efficiency upgrades to the four New Paltz schools and will require no upfront capital investment from the school district or taxpayers. Funded in part by the SED, New Paltz is also expected to save $6 million over the course of the 18-year project which will pay for the improvements.

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 and install the upgrades, which include:

• Lighting System Improvements
• Lighting Controls
• Building Management System
• Premium Efficiency Motors
• Computer Load Management
• Infiltration Reduction
• Boiler Re-piping, Boiler Controls
• De-Stratification Fans
• High Efficiency Transformers
• Solar Hot Water Heater
• Exterior Lighting
• Classroom Unit Ventilators
• Kitchen Upgrades including a new Walk-in Freezer

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the New Paltz Central School District, working with them to make these critical energy efficiency improvements that will help reduce energy use, lower their utility expenditures and reduce their carbon footprint,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco. “An ESPC, such as this one, is a budget-neutral way to reduce energy use and associated costs while significantly upgrading facility infrastructure.”

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.