This week in energy efficiency news…
The Investor Confidence Project introduced a system of standardization, called the Energy Performance Protocol for Targeted Commercial projects. Unlike whole building retrofits, targeted commercial projects are typically projects that can upgrade a single measure, such as lighting or windows, or multiple measures that are very basic. The protocols standardize how projects are baselined, engineered, installed, operated and measured, and are aimed at boosting investor confidence in the resulting savings.
More about the new Targeted Commercial Protocol from the Environmental Defense Fund
Also see our feature on the Investor Confidence Project: Why Investors Are Wary of Energy Efficiency and What Will Boost their Confidence.
Ameresco completed a $2.7 million energy savings performance contract project with the Oconto Falls School District in Oconto Falls, Wisc. The contract included energy efficient infrastructure upgrades at six facilities, with an expected savings of over $113,000 in energy costs and $24,000 in avoided repair, operational and maintenance costs annually for the duration of the 20-year contract. Ameresco’s performance guarantee insures that the efficiency equipment costs will be paid for over time through the energy savings. The energy saving upgrades included: lighting improvements, water conservation retrofits, building envelope and air infiltration reduction, exterior low-e window film, networked building automation control replacements, IT solutions, transformer replacement, boiler plant replacement and domestic hot water system upgrades.
More about Ameresco’s performance contract with Oconto Falls School District
Houston City Council approved another five percent increase in the Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code in order to increase the local minimum energy efficiency requirements for new construction of one and two family homes, townhouses and apartments up to three stories in height. This is the third year in a row the local code has been increased by five percent.
More about Houston’s residential building energy efficiency codes
