The City of Waltham Contracts with Ameresco to Bring Solar Energy to Schools and City Buildings

Initiative Expected to Save $4.5 Million, Reduce Carbon Footprint, and Deliver Educational and Learning Opportunities

FRAMINGHAM, MA – June 7, 2011 – (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today it has contracted with the City of Waltham to design, finance, install, own, and operate solar installations on seven schools and five municipal buildings.

By switching to clean, renewable energy, Waltham is expected to save a total of up to $4.5 million in reduced utility costs over the next 20 years.  In addition, Ameresco will install LCD panels at each of the school’s lobbies along with a special software package that makes rooftop weather and solar PV production data available online for the science classrooms.

“We are delighted to be working with the City of Waltham on this important solar energy project,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco.  “We applaud the City for its leadership and approach to green energy and sustainability, which will provide financial and environmental benefits now and well into the future.  The project will result in significant utility cost savings and bring a reliable source of clean, renewable energy, while also creating a great opportunity for students to learn about energy and its impact on the environment.”

“This important city-wide solar initiative will deliver tremendous benefits to the residents of Waltham,” said Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy.  “By switching to solar energy, we will be saving money for our community while we also embrace cleaner energy and reduce our carbon emissions.  I also want to express my appreciation for the outstanding work performed by the Photovoltaic Advisory Committee formed of Joseph Pedulla, Pat Azadi, Paul Centofanti, Andrew Greene, Leanne Wilcinski, Ralph Gaudet and Skip Bandini.”

Solar panels will be installed at Waltham High School, Kennedy Middle School, Fitzgerald Elementary School, MacArthur Elementary School, Northeast Elementary School, Plympton Elementary School, Whittemore Elementary School, and the Public Vehicles Department and Garage.

The panels are expected to generate approximately 1,850 kW when operational, thus produce more than 2.3 million kWh in the first year.  The detailed design process is already underway.  Funds in the amount of $630,500 from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be used to help fund the solar installations on the municipal buildings.

These two projects should reduce carbon dioxide emissions from New England fossil fuel-fired electric generation plants by 16,457 tons over 20-years.

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.