City of Birmingham Launches Significant Sustainability Effort
October 26, 2016
City buildings in Birmingham, Ala., will receive significant energy upgrades thanks to a $60 million sustainability effort that will cost taxpayers nothing thanks to a performance contract.
Birmingham, according to a press release, is partnering with
Trane on a $61.3 million project that is expected to cut annual energy and operational costs by more than 30 percent and produce savings of more than $100 million over the next two decades. The project will improve energy efficiency and cut utility costs across 125 buildings. The projects are scheduled for completion in 2018.
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“The city of Birmingham provides a real-life example of how governments can partner to deliver best-in-class operations and dramatic energy cost reductions,” says Jason Bingham, vice president of energy services and controls with Trane.
Before identifying energy conservation measures, city leaders directed a completion of an energy audit of all city-owned and occupied buildings. The improvements are designed to assist city facilities teams with managing and operating efficient and sustainable buildings that help the city better serve the community.
The projects include water upgrades in 119 buildings; lighting upgrades in 117 buildings; energy and HVAC controls for 108 buildings; building envelope improvements in 59 buildings; HVAC and mechanical upgrades in 45 buildings; roof replacements in 31 buildings; and transformer upgrades in 12 buildings. The commitment also includes a job-training program as well as increased educational opportunities to enter “green careers” for Birmingham high school students.
This quick read was submitted by Dave Lubach, associate editor for Facility Maintenance Decisions. Reach him at dave.lubach@tradepress.com.
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