Public-private partnerships between public entities and Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) are the cornerstone of transformative infrastructure modernization. Yet, they are complex and require commitment and trust.
ESCOs that succeed in this space aren’t just service providers—they are strategic partners, bringing dedication, innovation, and passion to every project.
To thrive in the public sector market, ESCOs must demonstrate leadership and creativity, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They understand that modernizing public buildings is about reshaping infrastructure to meet today’s energy demands while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges. These companies blend cutting-edge technologies with innovative financing strategies to optimize building operations, energy performance, safety, and health of our most vital public infrastructure.
The National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) introduced the NAESCO Member Award in 2021 to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of its members. This award shows the full potential of public-private partnerships. Efforts recognized by this award include significant or unique savings, innovative project approaches or technology uses, overcoming significant project obstacles, achieving environmental justice goals, and incorporating community development and outreach, among others.
THE 2024 NAESCO MEMBER AWARD FINALISTS INCLUDE:
U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA), OKLAHOMA, OK
In 2020, Ameresco initiated an ambitious multi-year deep energy retrofit Utility Energy Services Contract project for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in partnership with Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E). This project targets five federal buildings in Oklahoma, including the 178,342 sq. ft. Oklahoma City Federal Building, with the goal of significantly reducing electricity consumption, enhancing energy efficiency, and strengthening energy resilience. The project is set to deliver $14.9 million in savings over the contract term, reducing annual energy use by 41% and cutting 3,100 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. In its first year alone, the savings were more than $417,000 in energy costs. Utilizing advanced grid-interactive efficient technologies (GEB) such as solar PV, battery energy storage, smart irrigation, and cutting- edge HVAC controls, the project stands as a model for modernizing federal infrastructure. Despite challenges such as meeting Buy American Act requirements and navigating the complexities of an urban site, Ameresco successfully delivered a comprehensive solution that aligns with the government’s long-term sustainability goals. This project serves as a benchmark for future energy-efficient transformations across the federal sector. The project was awarded $800,000 through the AFFECT Grant and received $158,919 in utility rebates from OG&E.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO (UNOH), LIMA, OH
The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) partnered with Centrica Business Solutions to modernize its campus infrastructure through energy and building efficiency upgrades. The project spans 28 buildings—residential, athletic, retail, and staff facilities—and is funded through Metrus Energy’s Energy-as-a-Service agreement, allowing UNOH to implement improvements with no upfront costs. Metrus invested $3.1 million in the project, covering LED lighting, HVAC replacements, and water conservation measures. These upgrades are expected to yield significant benefits, including annual savings of 1,922,990 kWh of electricity, 3,054 therms of natural gas, and 7,343,000 gallons of water. They will also provide healthier and more comfortable facilities for students and staff while significantly reducing deferred maintenance. Additionally, the project will reduce carbon emissions by 957 metric tons each year. The financing model ensures that UNOH remains cashflow positive, with service charges from Metrus being lower than the verified energy savings.
EaaS is a pay-for-performance, off-balance sheet financing solution that allows customers to implement energy and water efficiency projects with no upfront capital expenditure. The EaaS provider pays for project development, construction, and ongoing maintenance costs. Once a project is operational, the customer makes service payments based on actual energy savings or other equipment performance metrics, resulting in reduced operating expenses.
JERSEY CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (JCPS), JERSEY CITY, NJ
In partnership with DCO Energy, the Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) district executed a $122 million Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) project, the largest of its kind in New Jersey. This project showcases JCPS’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency across its 44 schools and administrative buildings. By implementing measures like solar panel installations, LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, and building automation, the project is expected
to save millions annually, including 9,665,740 kWh of electricity, 308,947 therms of natural gas, and 201,895 gallons of fuel oil. These savings will be reinvested into the district, enhancing educational resources without impacting taxpayers. Innovative financing, including Green Refunding Bonds, ensures the project remains financially sustainable, with energy cost reductions offsetting expenses over time. The initiative also aligns with New Jersey’s broader goals of equitable environmental benefits for all residents, reducing CO2 emissions by 19,347,990 lbs, and improving air quality for underserved communities. DCO Energy has been committed to the development of the Jersey City community through the implementation of a community outreach component that includes a Live Classroom 12-week educational program, a Women in Engineering and Construction 12-week educational program, and a Train-to-Hire program. This project leveraged $64M in ESSER Funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and received a total of $1.7M in rebates from PSE&G and NJ Clean Energy.
CITY OF MENLO PARK, BELLE HAVEN COMMUNITY CAMPUS (BHCC), MENLO PARK, CA
ENGIE Services U.S. Inc. collaborated with the City of Menlo Park to modernize the Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC). This state-of-the-art facility includes a microgrid for backup power, solar energy systems with storage, an all-electric pool heating system, a commercial-grade all-electric kitchen, and public electric vehicle charging stations. The project is designed to achieve net-zero energy consumption and aligns with Menlo Park’s 2030 Climate Action Plan. The building also serves as a Red Cross Emergency Center. BHCC aims for LEED platinum certification, reflecting its dedication to environmental leadership. Key innovations include integrated solar thermal for pool heating and a microgrid that reduces reliance on diesel generators, minimizing air pollution during power outages. The project is projected to save $6.87 million in energy costs over 30 years. Additionally, it offers community benefits such as a resident-focused rate structure, EV charging for underserved areas, and educational spaces to promote sustainable practices, making BHCC a model of sustainable development.
HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION (DPR), OAHU, HI
NORESCO partnered with the Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) on a $39 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), advancing Honolulu’s Climate Action Plan 2020- 2025 (CAP). The project targets 49 priority locations across Oahu, representing nearly 70% of DPR’s annual utility costs, and is designed to deliver $94 million in guaranteed savings over the next 20 years, reducing annual water use by 42 million gallons. The project is a cornerstone of the city’s sustainability efforts, simultaneously enhancing public facilities, improving environmental stewardship, and stimulating economic growth. It has generated over 400 local jobs, with over 80% of the workforce being Hawaii residents, underscoring the project’s commitment to community support. NORESCO worked closely with DPR and environmental stakeholders to adjust construction schedules, ensuring the protection of the honu turtle (the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle) during critical nesting periods. With its comprehensive upgrades, including dark-sky-compliant lighting, extensive piping replacements to address major leaks at beach showers, advanced irrigation systems to reduce water consumption and improve plant health, and pool pump upgrades, this project sets a new benchmark in sustainable park management. A key improvement for DPR was onsite chlorine generation equipment that eliminates the purchase of liquid chlorine, reduces the need for CO2 for pH control, is more resilient to supply chain disruptions, and maintains a safer environment for maintenance staff. The project also includes a modern, public-facing GIS mapping website with construction updates for transparent communication with Oahu’s 33 Neighborhood Boards, enhancing civic engagement.
CHINLE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CHINLE USD), CHINLE, AZ
Veregy’s partnership with Chinle Unified School District (Chinle USD) in Arizona has resulted in a transformative $33.8 million energy project, enhancing efficiency across the district’s facilities. The project includes LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, water efficiency improvements, and advanced control systems seamlessly integrated with existing infrastructure. As the largest tribal energy project in Arizona’s history, the initiative supports Chinle USD’s sustainability goals, with expected annual savings of 8,422,172 kilowatt-hours. Financially backed by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the project is set to deliver $73.5 million in lifetime savings, establishing a model of economic and environmental stewardship. Veregy’s commitment extends beyond energy solutions, demonstrated by their swift response to severe flooding in Chinle, personally delivering supplies to support the community. This project is poised to bring enduring benefits to the District and the Navajo Nation, exemplifying the power of innovative solutions and community-focused action. This project leveraged $4.9M in ESSER Funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and an estimated $9M in IRA ITC refunds.
Lifetime savings is based on the expected life of the equipment of 40+ years for the solar panels, expected utility escalation rate, and also includes OM savings that is not included in the savings guarantee.
