KCDC Installs Energy-Conservation Measures

Knoxville, TN – Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) commends Ameresco, Inc. for the completion of the installation phase of its energy-conservation measures on May 30, 2008, one month ahead of schedule.

In July 2006, KCDC, with the help of the agency’s energy services company, Ameresco Inc., secured the first 20-year energy-saving contract issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The contract provided for a comprehensive energy conservation project, which allowed KCDC to invest approximately $9.5 million in energy-efficient upgrades. The project is expected to save KCDC approximately $1 million in the first year and more than $27 million over the next 20 years.

As of May 30, the energy-conservation measures have been installed in all 17 KCDC public housing developments and offices. This installation phase included energy-efficient upgrades to refrigerators; lighting; toilets; furnaces; HVAC systems; temperature controls; washers; windows; and other measures in the apartments, common areas and offices of KCDC’s public housing portfolio. For example, the lighting in KCDC’s 3,576 apartments and four administration and maintenance buildings was switched from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. The use of these energy-saving bulbs will generate an annual savings of more than $208,000.

“KCDC is already seeing significant savings generated from the installation of the energy-conservation measures, despite increased utility rates,” said KCDC Executive Director and CEO Alvin Nance. “It’s exciting that we are already witnessing the effects of energy-efficient improvements to our public housing portfolio, and we are looking forward to the long-term benefits these improvements will generate. The partnership with Ameresco has enabled us to implement this segment of our Strategic Plan which is crucial for the future of affordable housing in Knoxville.”

KCDC’s energy-conservation measures are projected to reduce electricity use by 19 percent, natural gas use by 3.5 percent and water use by 20 percent. In addition, environmental benefits include:

• Reduced water use by more than 50 million gallons per year.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 4,000 tons per year.
• Reduced sulfur dioxide gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels by nearly 23,000 pounds per year.
• Reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at power stations by nearly 22,000 pounds per year.

KCDC is the housing authority and redevelopment agency for Knoxville. Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. For more information, visit http://www.kcdc.org.