Ameresco, a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced that construction has begun for a $33 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) at the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) sites in College Park, Maryland, and Washington, DC. 

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The project will help improve energy efficiency across NARA's facilities, leveraging Ameresco’s solutions to achieve cost savings and environmental benefits.

To achieve this, Ameresco is implementing building automation system (BAS) modernization with advanced sequencing, optimization of heating and cooling systems, building transformer replacements, LED lighting, building envelope improvements, piping insulation, and utility water reduction at NARA’s flagship facilities. 

Together, these efficiency measures are designed to achieve approximately $2 million in annual savings and reduce annual fossil fuel consumption by 72%, utility water use by 48%, and electricity use by 28%.

In addition, NARA and Ameresco have partnered to add more energy-efficient infrastructure to the project through more solar rooftop PV, a new chiller, and electrical vehicle (EV) charging, owing to a grant from the US Department of Energy’s Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) Program.

The ESPC delivery model played an important role in enabling NARA to replace aging infrastructure and reduce its energy consumption and carbon emissions. The contract aims to help NARA facilities achieve net-zero emissions as required by Executive Order 14057.

“Working closely with NARA, Ameresco developed this project in support of the Agency’s modernization efforts with zero-dollar capital outlay and NARA’s Strategic Plan of increased public access to federal records through digitization and on-line delivery” said Nicole Bulgarino, EVP and General Manager at Ameresco. "Working in collaboration with Ameresco for almost two decades, NARA's leadership in embracing sustainable solutions serves as a playbook for federal agencies nationwide.”

According to Energytech.com