Metropolitan Area Planning Council Selects Ameresco as its Regional Energy Services Partner

FRAMINGHAM, MA – January 12, 2012 – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that it has been unanimously selected by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) as its regional energy services company (ESCO).  MAPC is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston.  As part of MAPC’s selection, Ameresco is eligible to immediately enter into energy savings performance contract (ESPC) agreements with the 14 cities and towns initially listed in MAPC’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued.

“While we have been doing great work to help rebuild our economy, many communities are still facing tough economic times,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “This collaboration will help keep these cities and towns on a path to energy efficiency while also giving municipalities additional tools to meet the fiscal challenges we all face as our economy continues to recover.”

“We are thrilled to be announcing the selection of Ameresco as our regional ESCO partner,” said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.  “These cities and towns stand to save millions of dollars in energy costs by working in collaboration through this program, and we look forward to helping our member municipalities to make upgrades and become more energy efficient.”

MAPC and Ameresco hosted a series of kick-off meetings in Boston and in Framingham yesterday to introduce the program and to begin the next steps for these MAPC communities to start their ESPC.  The first 14 member municipalities that can immediately benefit from this agreement include: Ashland, Arlington, Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Gloucester, Melrose, Norwell, Rockport, Sharon, Sherborn, Sudbury, Topsfield and Wayland.

“Being headquartered in Massachusetts, Ameresco is deeply committed to the local community and the MAPC regions.  This project is a way for us to directly invest and improve the communities where our employees live and work,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco.  “Ameresco partners with cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth, and we look forward to delivering real economic and environmental benefits to these communities.”

As part of each ESPC, Ameresco will work with MAPC members to audit and assess municipal-owned buildings and infrastructure to enable the city or town to uncover and reinvest energy cost savings back into the community on a budget-neutral basis.  Ameresco will guarantee a minimum level of energy savings over the term of the contract and that the cash inflows from the project will exceed the cash requirements for the project, offsetting the costs of these improvements.

Energy efficiency improvements can include the implementation of infrastructure repair or upgrades such as boiler and HVAC rooftop replacements.  In addition, MAPC members can work with Ameresco to assess and implement more advanced renewable energy systems that can range from rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to on-site wind power.

About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, 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 59 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 850 employees. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Greater Boston. Our mission is promoting smart growth and regional collaboration. We work toward sound municipal management, sustainable land use, protection of natural resources, efficient and affordable transportation, a diverse housing stock, public safety, economic development, an informed public, and equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds. Our work is guided by our regional plan, “MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region.”  For more information, visit www.mapc.org.