Washington Gov. Inslee Joins Bates Technical College and Ameresco to Announce Next Round of Energy Efficiency Grants

Ceremony and tour with Bates Technical College officials showcase building improvements completed with Ameresco as a result of previous state grants

FRAMINGHAM, MA and TACOMA, WA – March 18, 2013 – Ameresco Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, joined with officials from Bates Technical College to host Gov. Jay Inslee and local leaders on Wednesday, March 13, to announce the award recipients for the second round  of 2012 energy efficiency grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce.  Ameresco customers awarded grants include:  Olympic College, Pierce Colleges, Green River Community College, City of Olympia, City of Renton, City of Edmonds, City of Kirkland, City of Lacey, Spokane County, Island County, Grays Harbor County, Okanagan County, Kittitas County, and the Port of Longview.

Bates Technical College, a previous state grant recipient, partnered with Ameresco to complete a multi-phase $5 million energy efficiency upgrade project for the College.  The $2.1 million in State energy efficiency grants Bates received was part of the 2010 Jobs Act, which like those announced today, supported energy and operational efficiency projects that create jobs and reduce costs.

The energy project at Bates focused on updating building systems at the College’s Downtown Campus, South Campus and Mohler Campus facilities.  The improvements have increased energy efficiency and upgraded important facility systems, which in turn have helped Bates Technical College to save energy, reduce costs and lower the college’s carbon footprint.

“The energy efficiency improvements completed by Bates Technical College and Ameresco demonstrate the tremendous progress being made with these state grants towards a more sustainable future for Washington State,” said Ron Langrell, President of Bates Technical College.  “The approach used here serves as a powerful example to other educational institutions and organizations as it demonstrates how large-scale energy efficiency projects can both drive sustainability and economic development.”

In addition to Gov. Inslee, the event hosted at the South Campus featured Bates Technical College President Ron Langrell, Bates Trustee and Labor Representative Mike Grunwald, Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender, Tacoma Power Superintendent Ted Coates, Fritz Feiten of Ameresco, Noah Reandeau representing the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, and student representatives.

“Bates Technical College was honored to host Gov. Inslee to highlight the benefits of these grants and to showcase how our work with Ameresco has benefited our bottom line while improving student life,” added President Langrell.  “This budget-neutral project has enabled the college to apply cost savings from energy-efficient equipment to help renew campus facilities and building systems, all supported by this innovative state grant program.”

The Bates Technical College energy efficiency project with Ameresco has included lighting retrofits, a major upgrade and modernization of the College’s Energy Management System (EMS), boiler replacements, heating piping repairs, and central chiller plant upgrades at the Downtown Campus; domestic hot water and other measures at the South Campus; and lighting and other measures at the Mohler Campus.  The project is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by over 2.6 million kWh and 7,756 therms and water consumption by over 6,000 CCF, which is expected to result in over $170,000 in annual utility savings.  In addition to generating significant energy savings, the improvements are expected to also reduce greenhouse gas emissions – including over 2.7 million pounds of CO2 annually.

“We were pleased to join the event with the Governor to recognize our successful partnership with Bates Technical College while showcasing the extensive energy efficiency improvements to the campus,” said Mike O’Connor, Vice President, Northwest Region, Ameresco.  “Bates Technical College is one of many customers that we have successfully worked with to obtain state support for much needed energy efficiency projects, and we have seen first-hand the jobs that are created during construction and the significant cost savings and positive environmental impacts upon completion.”

About Ameresco, Inc.
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 65 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 900 employees. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College is Washington State’s largest public technical college, offering certificate and degree opportunities in career education, distance learning, extended learning and apprenticeship training. For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu, or call 253-680-7000.