MINNEAPOLIS — Honeywell announced a building modernization program to upgrade infrastructure across three Alger County facilities in Munising, Mich., and save more than $114,000 in annual utility and operating costs for the county. The energy retrofit initiative, backed by guaranteed savings through a 15-year, $1.4 million performance contract with Honeywell, will enable the county to address deferred maintenance, reduce energy and water consumption, and improve occupant comfort, while freeing up funds in the county’s operating budget.

“Resources are continuing to shrink for many government entities, so we must find creative solutions to ensure we can effectively maintain our physical assets while serving our community,” said Jerry Doucette, Alger County commissioner. “Working with Honeywell, we’re able to improve our outlook by significantly cutting annual energy and operating costs through guaranteed savings, which we believe will make a significant impact in our ability to serve our residents.”

The program will include a variety of energy efficiency and building system upgrades at the Alger County courthouse, sheriff’s office, and emergency medical services building. As part of the project, Honeywell will make improvements to HVAC systems, including replacement of decades-old ductwork and installation of a new Honeywell ComfortPoint building control system, which will centralize energy management across all three facilities for greater temperature control.

The company will also install energy-efficient lighting, upgrade plumbing fixtures to improve water conservation, make building envelope improvements to reduce loss of treated air, and install a new fire alarm system. All building upgrades are expected to be complete by spring 2012.

As a result of the improvements, the county is expected to decrease electricity consumption by 135,208 kilowatt-hours per year. The program is also projected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 93.2 metric tons.

“Using guaranteed energy savings through a performance contract to make much needed building improvements can be a powerful tool in maximizing return on investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of any community,” said Paul Orzeske, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. “Honeywell has the experience to help counties and municipalities find the best solution to meet their long-term goals.”

For more information about Honeywell Building Solutions, visit www.honeywell.com/buildingsolutions.

Publication date: 12/05/2011