Ameresco Partners with Penn State University to Provide Energy Efficiency Makeover to Two University Hotels

The project will increase energy efficiency at the Nittany Lion Inn and the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center

FRAMINGHAM, MA & STATE COLLEGE, PA – April 1, 2011 – Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that it has entered into a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) with Penn State University.  As part of the GESC, Ameresco will provide viable energy conservation measures to the Nittany Lion Inn and the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, located in State College, Pennsylvania.

The project will include new energy conservation measures such as lighting and lighting control system improvements, domestic water reduction measures, weatherization improvements, and an updated and expanded Energy Management System.  Collectively, these measures are expected to reduce annual utility consumption by over 17 percent.  This project will be internally financed by the University and the energy savings generated over the next 10 years is expected to exceed the project investment.  Incentives will be available from Allegheny Power as a result of Pennsylvania Legislative Act 129 (PA-Act 129).

The project was organized and conducted under the PSU Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP), which is managed by the PSU Office of Physical Plant (OPP).  The PSU GESP promotes energy efficiency and facilitates GESC projects for PSU owned and operated facilities throughout the Commonwealth.  Under the PSU GESP, Ameresco was competitively selected by Penn State to develop and implement this customized, fully self-funding GESC.  Through collaborative efforts, Ameresco and Penn State worked together to develop a project that addresses the unique needs and requirements of the Nittany Lion Inn, the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center and PSHS operations over the long term.  All work is being implemented to PSU construction standards, performance requirements and within the operational schedule of each hotel.

“We are pleased to partner with PSU on our second project to bring these important energy efficiency measures to the University,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President of Ameresco.  “Ameresco worked closely with the PSU team to identify an energy savings solution that will improve the quality of the facilities and infrastructure on a budget-neutral basis.  Once construction is complete, the energy conservation and efficiency program will significantly reduce the energy demands and costs of both facilities, and should allow the facilities to build on their strong history of customer service.”

“These new energy conservation measures will provide our facilities with new, more reliable, energy efficient systems and technology.  These upgrades should help to deliver immediate and long-term energy cost reductions while addressing needed equipment upgrades within each facility,” said Bruce J. Smith, PE, Senior Energy Program Engineer, Office of Physical Plant, Pennsylvania State University.

With approximately 300 guest rooms and one large 10,000 square foot ballroom, the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center is a five-story structure, comprised of the original building constructed in 1994, and more recently, a large addition completed in 2004.  The building is used for conferences, meetings, dining and guest space.  The Nittany Lion Inn, comprised of a mix of meeting rooms, banquets halls, restaurant and guest rooms, is approximately 214,000 square feet and was constructed in 1931, with major additions built in 1954 and 1992.

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 56 offices in 29 states and five Canadian provinces.  For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Penn State University

Founded in 1855, Penn State University is spread across 24 campuses, with its central administrative and research location on the University Park campus. The school currently enrolls around 42,000 students in many degree programs.

Guests at one of Penn State University’s two hotels — The Penn Stater and The Nittany Lion Inn — can enjoy a wealth of activities on the school’s campus and throughout the area. To see a list of campus attractions or more about State College attractions, visit http://www.pshs.psu.edu/area_attractions.asp