Ameresco Contracts with New Paltz, New York School District to Bring Major Energy Savings Improvements to the District

Energy efficiency improvements are expected to save the upstate New York school district over $250,000 annually

FRAMINGHAM, MA – March 1, 2011 – Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that it has entered into an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with the New Paltz Central School District, located 80 miles north of New York City.  Ameresco will provide energy efficiency upgrades to four New Paltz schools: New Paltz High School, New Paltz Middle School, Lenape Elementary School and Duzine Elementary School.  The project is expected to save the district $258,461 annually.

“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.  We applaud New Paltz for being a leader in sustainability, and serving as a model for other school districts throughout New York State and the region.”

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.

About New Paltz
New Paltz is located 80 miles north of New York City on the western shore of the Hudson River, bordered to the west by the Catskill Mountains.  New Paltz was originally settled in 1678 by a small but brave group of French-speaking Huguenot refugees from what is today southern Belgium and northern France.

About Ameresco, Inc.
Ameresco, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in April 2000 and is a leading independent provider of comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America.  Ameresco’s solutions include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure, and the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy plants.  With corporate headquarters located in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has 55 offices in 29 states and four Canadian provinces.  For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.