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The City of Beaufort, SC is partnering with Johnson Controls to complete a city-wide performance infrastructure and conservation project that’s expected to generate $5.4 million in savings over 15 years, while reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint, energy usage and water consumption.
The one-year construction schedule includes conservation enhancements in city buildings and parks. Major elements include new smart building automation systems; solar photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity; an advanced automation chilled water system to cool buildings more efficiently and improve occupant comfort; extensive LED lighting retrofits and lighting controls upgrades; upgraded security and access control systems; water efficiency retrofits; as well as additional HVAC, electrical and mechanical work.
The $3.1 million improvement plan was made possible through an energy savings performance contract with Johnson Controls. Through the performance contract, the utility and operational savings from the energy conservation measures are guaranteed to cover the costs of the work without the need for additional funding or capital expenditures.
“The financial arrangement provided by Johnson Controls ensures the cost of the projects are paid through the energy savings achieved over the contract term,” said William Prokop, city manager of Beaufort. “In the process, we will provide a cleaner, safer environment, reduce energy expenses, reduce our carbon output and accomplish considerable improvements to many of our facilities in a fiscally responsible manner.”
The infrastructure upgrades are part of Beaufort’s overall plan and represent the city’s focus on bold ideas and bright vision. Johnson Controls will work with Beaufort’s senior project manager, Neal Pugliese, Col, USMC Ret; a 30-year Marine Corps Colonel. Pugliese is a proven operations manager and performance-based expert with a strong record of team building, training employees and getting things done in time and on budget.
“The City of Beaufort is committed to serving its citizens and businesses with a low cost of living, reasonable taxes and exceptional public services, but it can often be challenging to fund these endeavors,” said Mary-Suzanne Powell, area general manager at Johnson Controls. “We have a long history helping cities overcome these financial challenges, using customized financial structures, technology, and infrastructure solutions to enable more than 3,000 major performance infrastructure projects in North America alone. We’re excited to be working with the City of Beaufort on this effort as part of the city’s City Building Program.”
