Ameresco’s Energy Saving Plan Making a Difference at the National Archives and Records Administration

Framingham, MA – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, has partnered with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to develop and implement strategic energy infrastructure upgrades at NARA owned and managed facilities throughout the United States. As part of an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), Ameresco and NARA have developed a strategic plan to reduce energy use and operating costs at NARA’s flagship Archives I and Archives II facilities in Washington, D.C. and College Park, MD respectively. In addition, the two organizations are collaborating on energy infrastructure improvements at 13 Presidential Libraries across the country.

NARA, the Federal agency known as the nation’s record keeper, preserves and maintains documents and materials created by the United States Federal Government, which are of legal or historic importance. NARA protects invaluable documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, Nixon Presidential archives, and the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records. New HVAC and lighting controls will help NARA increase the lifespan of these temperature and light-sensitive documents. For several years, Ameresco has been a member of the NARA energy management team, which received a Presidential Energy Award in 2008 for its outstanding efforts and leadership. In addition, in October 2010, the Archives II facility received one of eight Presidential Awards for Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance being cited in the “Lean, Clean and Green” category.

According to Mark Sprouse, Director of the National Archives Facilities and Personal Property Management Division, this energy saving strategy should be a model for other government agencies and businesses. “NARA prides itself on being a leader in operational efficiency and energy conservation at all of its facilities. The initiatives we’ve launched in collaboration with Ameresco have established us as a leader among all federal agencies on energy conservation. In addition to saving taxpayers money, we have become a resource for our peers. Now, other organizations are looking to NARA for ideas and innovations.”

At the recently completed Archives II project, Ameresco conducted an in-depth review of the facility’s systems, and then recommended measures that would reduce energy use and operating costs, upgrade the infrastructure, and address building-specific operational issues. The project provided energy management control improvements, updated HVAC and lighting systems, water conservation initiatives, and a solar roof installation. High efficiency motors and filtration systems as well as low-flow aerators and showerheads were also integrated into the plan. It is estimated that the $5.9 million project will result in almost $1 million in savings annually.

As a part of this ongoing initiative, NARA has completed three different phases with Ameresco to design and install over 104 kW of roof mounted photovoltaic arrays at multiple locations. In addition, as part of a combination roof management green initiative, NARA has a new white roof with 26 additional kW of solar PV under construction as a prototype for future roof replacements.

“By repairing, replacing, and updating equipment and adding renewable energy production, NARA has already reduced energy consumption by 28 percent and water consumption by 14 percent at Archives II,” said Keith Derrington, Executive Vice President and head of Ameresco’s Federal Team. “This award-winning plan has also helped NARA reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a safe, healthy environment for its staff and visitors. I’m proud that Ameresco has played a role in NARA’s green initiatives. It has been rewarding to work with true leaders in energy innovation. We look forward to our continued collaboration with this leading agency as we work to reduce the carbon footprint of NARA facilities across the country.”

About The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent Federal agency that preserves and shares with the public records that trace the story of our nation, government, and the American people. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The National Archives is a public trust upon which our democracy depends, ensuring access to essential evidence that protects the rights of American citizens, documents the actions of the government, and reveals the evolving national experience.

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.