Ameresco Quantum Partners with Washington K-12 School Districts to Obtain Grants for Energy Saving Improvements

FRAMINGHAM, MA and RENTON, WA – April 23, 2012 – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company throughout North America, today announced its business unit Ameresco Quantum, Inc. has partnered with 17 of its Washington State K-12 school customers to help them obtain energy and operational savings grants from Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).  On April 2, 2012, OSPI announced 43 grants totaling $20.9 million.

Ameresco Quantum’s K-12 customers that are recipients include:  Centralia School District, College Place School District, East Valley School District (Yakima), Elma School District, Griffin School District, Kelso School District, La Center School District, Lake Quinault School District, Liberty School District, Mercer Island School District, Napavine School District, Okanogan School District, Oroville School District, Shelton School District, South Whidbey School District, Wahkiakum School District and Woodland School District.

Since 2009, OSPI and the Washington Department of Commerce have distributed $137 million in energy and operational savings grants for K-12 schools and higher education.  The state funding supports energy and operational efficiency projects that create jobs and reduce costs. To date, over 50 percent of the grants have been awarded to Ameresco Quantum customers.

“This latest round of state energy grants will make a significant difference in our customers’ schools,” said Mike O’Connor, Vice President, Northwest Region for Ameresco Quantum.  “These grants enable school districts to implement much needed infrastructure improvements that would otherwise be out of reach in the current school funding environment.  The projects are completely paid for with the grant, utility incentives, and guaranteed energy savings, and they will make a real difference in the lives of the students and staff.”

“Using their extensive experience working with schools, Ameresco Quantum was a tremendous asset to the South Whidbey School District; identifying infrastructure improvements that reduce energy consumption and offer guaranteed savings; assisting with the OSPI grant application process; and soon implementing the conservation measures,” said Josephine (Jo) Moccia, Superintendent.  “Our students, teachers and the community at large are the ultimate beneficiaries of this project.  With the grants and guaranteed savings, we can upgrade our learning environment while reducing energy and operational costs.”

The grant-funded projects replace or retrofit lighting, HVAC equipment, energy management systems, boilers, and other equipment, improving the earning environment in over 4 million square feet of school facilities.   As one of the largest providers of energy services in Washington State, Ameresco Quantum has implemented energy savings performance contracts at 59 school districts.  Many of these projects have been implemented in multiple phases, with equipment installed at night, during holidays or over the summer to minimize impacts during the school year.

On April 9, 2012 the Washington State legislature passed a new capital budget that includes $78 million for energy and operational efficiency grants in K-12 schools, higher education and local government.

About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America. Ameresco’s services include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants.  Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers.  With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco provides local expertise through its 62 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 900 employees. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.