Ameresco, Inc. Partners with San Francisco Housing Authority on Energy Conservation Contract

Framingham, MA – The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) has selected Ameresco, Inc. to partner and provide energy services and energy-related capital improvements at its public housing developments . Working with SFHA, Ameresco will identify and implement a full range of water and energy conservation measures and related capital improvements totaling $20 million to $30 million, designed to reduce energy consumption and associated costs. SFHA provides housing to over 12,000 low income families and individuals.

“By making comprehensive energy and infrastructure improvements, SFHA will achieve substantial energy and cost savings while making its properties more comfortable for its residents,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “Our Bay Area team has the experience and knowledge to develop a package of efficiency and renewable energy projects that will deliver a beneficial long-term impact.”

Ameresco, Inc., has extensive experience improving energy efficiency in San Francisco Bay Area multi-family housing. The company has worked with Oakland Housing Authority to complete energy related projects improving the efficiency of 120 large multi-family properties over the past 12 years. Ameresco was the only company selected by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company to offer performance-based energy services to multi-family housing under their PowerSavings Partners Program, which served 6,800 units in San Francisco alone. The company has also worked with public housing authorities in Toronto, Chicago and Boston.

Ameresco will provide a variety of services to SFHA under the awarded contract, including: an analysis of energy and water consumption; preparation of a detailed investment grade energy and water consumption audit; the design/engineering, procurement, installation, modification, and maintenance of existing and/or new energy-related equipment and systems with specific cost savings projections; annual training of SFHA staff on routine maintenance and operation of all improvements; and resident education on conservation methods and procedures.

“Ameresco’s experience and knowledge base in the energy field will allow the Housing Authority to make wise investments,” explains Henry Alvarez, executive director of the San Francisco Housing Authority. “We look forward to working with Ameresco to improve the quality of life for our residents in addition to playing an active role in addressing climate change.”

Ameresco has created a preliminary guaranteed energy savings program for SFHA facilities which includes: replacing toilets, aerators and showerheads with high efficiency models; improving irrigation efficiency; upgrading common area and apartment lighting; replacing boilers and furnaces; improving temperature control; improving building ventilation efficiency; building weatherization; installing cogeneration to generate electricity and hot water and installing solar panels to provide electricity. Yearly savings from the program are estimated at approximately $2 million to $3 million.