Ameresco Begins Construction on Arizona State Agency’s First Energy Service Performance Contract

Framingham, MA – Ameresco begins construction on its $6.2 million energy savings performance contract at the Arizona State Prison Complex, Tucson (ASPCT). The first Energy Service Performance Contract to be developed for the State of Arizona this project entailed the development of unique and innovative project financing to meet the requirements of the State.

In 2005 the Arizona Department of Corrections was the first Arizona agency to start an initiative to select an energy services company to identify strategies to reduce energy use and save money, all while reducing its own carbon footprint at all its facilities. After a competitive bidding process, the ADOC selected Ameresco to spearhead this ground breaking program. The first prison complex that Ameresco audited and developed a comprehensive energy conservation package for is the Arizona State Prison Complex, Tucson. This 850,000 square foot campus consists of 190 buildings which include several high and medium security buildings, a central laundry facility, food-processing area, and a medical clinic.

The comprehensive energy conservation package consists of lighting system improvements, lighting controls, transformer replacements, energy management systems, water conservation and cooling tower replacement. Ameresco is guaranteeing approximately $7 million in energy and operational savings to the State over the thirteen year term of the performance contract. “This project efficiently recycles dollars from the annually appropriated energy budget into infrastructure improvements that are of significant benefit to the State.” said Trip Tripathi, vice president of Ameresco. “Through this program the state will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 2,061 metric tonnes of CO2 or removing 378 automobiles of the roads of Arizona.”

Ameresco worked very closely with the Arizona Department of Corrections, Arizona Department of Administration, Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Arizona Energy Office to bring this project into reality.

Ameresco anticipates working with the ADOC over the next few months to identify improvements at their seven other facilities.

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.