Connecticut Plans Energy Efficiency Measures

May 20, 2015 1553 Views American National Standards Institute, Banks Ramos Architectural Lighting Design, Brain Spaces, Brooklyn Tech Triangle, Eastern U.S., GE Lighting, SHP, Square Inc.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced May 12 that new energy efficiency measures planned for Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown and several Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices throughout the state will reduce energy costs at those locations by more than $3.3 million per year.

The measures are being implemented under the state’s “Lead by Example” initiative, which was designed to reduce energy use in state and local government buildings.

“A brighter tomorrow for Connecticut means delivering energy efficiency – and taxpayer savings – today. The steps we are taking now demonstrates that we’re making smart decisions to be efficient in the long-run,” Malloy said in a statement. “These are wise investments that will help drive down the cost of government, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution created by burning fossil fuels to create heat and electricity. It’s simply commonsense policy.”

The State Bond Commission authorized $38 million in funding for the two projects, which will be repaid through the energy savings guaranteed by the contractors. Upon completion of the projects, the energy performance of the two facilities will be monitored to ensure the promised energy savings are achieved.

This “performance contracting” approach was developed by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Green Bank. Over the past few years, dozens of smaller projects have been undertaken in state buildings that are already saving more than $1 million a year, with another $2 million a year coming soon.

The projects at CVH and DMV are among the largest to be undertaken through this initiative. The CVH campus, which is more than 100 years old, will be able to reduce its energy operating costs by 60 percent, resulting in an annual savings of $3 million that will be used to finance the $33 million energy retrofit. Measures to be implemented include replacement of over 2.5 miles of steam system piping, new windows, high efficiency lighting, insulation, and combined heat and power energy generation.

DMV will reduce its energy costs by 45 percent, resulting in an annual savings of $350,000 that will be used to finance the $5.2 million retrofit at several locations throughout the state. Measures to be implemented include new windows and weather-stripping, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems and controls, high-efficiency lighting, water conservation measures, and computer and other equipment energy controls.