Friday, March 30, 2012

UNC awarded ESPC for more energy saving potential!

Congratulations to UNC for receiving a U.S. Department of Energy ESPC (Energy Savings Performance Contract) from the Federal Energy Management Program! The DOE says, "Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) allow Federal agencies to accomplish energy savings projects without up-front capital costs and without special Congressional appropriations."

Trane Comfort Solutions from Morrisville, NC will audit a set of UNC buildings, note where energy (and money) can be saved, and make the recommended changes. This will help UNC save up to $5 million annually and a whole lot of energy!

"An ESPC is a partnership between a Federal agency and an energy service company (ESCO). The ESCO conducts a comprehensive energy audit for the Federal facility and identifies improvements to save energy. In consultation with the Federal agency, the ESCO designs and constructs a project that meets the agency's needs and arranges the necessary funding. The ESCO guarantees that the improvements will generate energy cost savings sufficient to pay for the project over the term of the contract. After the contract ends, all additional cost savings accrue to the agency. Contract terms up to 25 years are allowed."

UNC is really doing its part to save energy and money! Are you in on the fight against wasteful energy use and climate change? Visit EnergyStar.gov to assess your home or apartment today!