Flemington-Raritan School District Partners with Ameresco to Begin Energy Savings Improvement Program that Can Realize Over $6.4 Million in Savings

Flemington-Raritan Regional School District – The Flemington-Raritan Regional School District is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with Ameresco, an energy efficiency and renewable energy company, to begin an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP). Over a 15-year span, the $4.8 million budget-neutral project is expected to help the District realize over $326,000 in annual energy cost savings and over $29,000 in operational cost savings. The District is expected to see a savings of over $6.4 million by the end of the project term.

With a focus on lowering utility costs, the District selected Ameresco to develop and implement an ESIP Energy Savings Plan. Through the program, services and improvements are designed to be provided without the need for voter-approved referendums, capital expenses or additional tax dollars.  In compliance with recent state laws, Ameresco was chosen to develop and complete the plan and arrange low interest-rate financing for this project.

“Through collaboration with Ameresco, our district can realize significant energy and operational savings by customizing a program that is just right for us,” said Stephanie Voorhees, School Business Administrator/Board Secretary of the Flemington Raritan Regional School District.  “The energy savings generated by this endeavor are an untapped source of funding for New Jersey school districts that can be put to work to address capital improvement needs.”

Ameresco developed, engineered, and is constructing 16 recommended energy conservation measures throughout the District facilities. These measures include indoor and outdoor lighting system upgrades, lighting controls, a new energy management system, vending machine controls, computer load management software, premium efficiency motors, high efficiency transformers, boiler replacements, unit ventilator replacements, chiller replacements, domestic hot water heater replacement, electric to hot water conversion, “Green-Print” IT efficiency software, and other efficiency measures. Once completed, these improvements will lower District energy and operational costs by over 27 percent per year and reduce CO2 emissions by over 3 million tons per year.

“We are excited to partner with the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District on this project.  It brings important energy efficiency measures to the District without the need for any capital outlay,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President of Ameresco.  “Ameresco worked closely with the District’s team to identify a plan that is designed to improve the quality of the facilities and infrastructure on a budget-neutral basis.  By leveraging the recent legislation, project funding is created through guaranteed energy cost savings and utility rebates while significantly reducing the usages and costs of District facilities. We hope this program allows the district to continue to build on their strong history and reputation of providing quality public education.”

As part of the contract, Ameresco will be responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and permitting, project management, and procurement, as well as securing available energy rebates for the District. In fact, the District anticipates receiving over $400,000 in energy rebates and incentives from the “Pay-for-Performance” program sponsored by the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Clean Energy Program.  These energy rebates supplement the energy and operational cost savings realized through the implementation of the project.  As a partner, Ameresco will complete required program applications and energy reduction plans to help lower overall project costs, limit the need for third-party financing, and reinvest in the district’s infrastructure and assets to achieve a greater scope of enhancements.

The Flemington-Raritan School District (FRSD) is a regional, New Jersey K-8 District serving the children, parents and residents of Flemington Borough and Raritan Township, an area encompassing 38 square miles.  Operating four K-4 elementary schools, a 5-6 intermediate school and a 7-8 middle school, the district houses 3,500 students and employs over 400 staff members. The district maintains 667,100+/- square feet of conditioned space.  The district strives each day to fulfill its mission:
The Flemington-Raritan Regional School District provides our students with an exceptional education, empowering them to become problem solvers, collaborators and critical thinkers. The District creates a culture in which students act responsibly and communicate effectively in preparing to become productive citizens in a changing, global society. It is the expectation of the Flemington-Raritan School District that all pupils achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards at all grade levels.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America. Ameresco’s services include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco provides local expertise through its 63 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 900 employees. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

FROM:

Laura Bruhn, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Flemington-Raritan Regional School District
(908) 284-7569; [email protected]