Leading Ohio Housing Authority Implements Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Framingham, Mass.– The Akron (Ohio) Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) recently initiated a portfolio-wide water and energy conservation program with Ameresco, Inc.’s division, Citizens Conservation Services. The agency signed the first phase of a two-phase contract that is expected to result in savings of up to $760,000 annually.

Services will be performed by Ameresco, the largest independent energy services companies in North America. The $4.5 million contract includes water conservation and lighting improvements for 4,423 units in 50 properties throughout Akron.

“AMHA is taking these measures to enhance the living environment for our public housing residents,” said Tony O’Leary, AMHA executive director. “At the same time, by reducing utility costs, we will make needed lighting and water system upgrades without exhausting our declining federal resources.”

The 12-year contract calls for construction to begin immediately and should take about one year to complete. Funding for the project is financed by Fifth Third Bank, made possible by a conservation incentive program offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do, especially in this economy. We’re pleased to be working with Ameresco given their expertise in conservation in occupied rental housing,” said O’Leary.

“We commend AMHA for its foresight in taking these resource-conscious initiatives,” said Ameresco Vice President Steve Morgan. “This project has the dual benefits of improving the quality of living for residents and reducing the Authority’s operating costs.”

Ameresco has more than 20 years of experience with housing authorities and HUD through its Citizens division. The company is currently performing more than 30 contracts with municipal and state housing authorities across the country.