Energy Savings Performance Contract (2009 LGAA)

City of Ithaca (Winner)
County: Tompkins County
Population: 10,001 to 50,000
City Hall: (607) 274-6501

The City of Ithaca entered into an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) to implement infrastructure improvements totaling $4.68 million that will generate approximately $6.1 million in savings over a 15 year period.  The project, which was implemented to help overcome limited capital available for facility improvements, enhance energy efficiency in City-owned facilities, and meet greenhouse gas reduction goals – included lighting, computerized energy management systems, upgrades to heating and cooling systems, replacements of roofs, windows and water meters, and the installation of automated meter reading and leak detection systems. Unique to the performance contract is a web-based learning program, Sustainable Energy Education & Communications (SEEC), that City employees are required to take and for which the City received an award.

The improvements in City services and to the quality of life of its residents are numerous. Enhancements to lighting, heating and cooling systems, along with the replacement of roofs and older windows, have advanced the comfort level and conditions in City-owned buildings. The new, more reliable systems eliminated costs the City was incurring to repair aging infrastructure. Additionally, the automated meter reading and leak detection systems will not only generate considerable savings for the City (estimated at $137,000 annually), but will also allow the City to alert customers to the existence of leaks before they result in exorbitant bills and waste large volumes of water. Finally, the increased awareness of sustainable practices presented by SEEC encourages implementation throughout Ithaca, making the City a healthier place to live and work.

The $6.1 million in savings from the project is guaranteed by JCI and pays for the improvements. Furthermore, the project's energy savings generate approximately 30% of the City's greenhouse gas emissions goal. Specifically, the project will reduce City energy use by 16% including: 1,200,000 kilowatt-hours, 34,500 therms, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700 tons annually.