“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 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.”

Publication date: 4/8/2013