The boiler room of Oconto Falls Elementary School may seem like an unusual place for a ribbon cutting, but the symbolism was perfect because the upgraded heating system was getting a good workout on Dec. 9, due to the frosty temperatures outdoors.
The heating system at that building, along with the heating systems in several other district buildings, received major upgrades as part of an energy-savings project coordinated by Ameresco. The firm has been working with the Oconto Falls School District for two years to implement energy efficiency projects. Ameresco guaranteed that the $2.7 million capital outlay would be offset by energy savings over the next two decades.
In exchange for its service, Ameresco received a 7 percent management fee, or $189,000.
The Ameresco partnership with the district was the company’s first school project in Wisconsin, although the firm has completed school projects in other states. The ribbon cutting marked the completion of the energy savings projects, but Ameresco will continue to partner with the district as it monitors the savings generated by these efforts. Ameresco guarantees a savings of just over $137,000 per year.
The district will pay $16,707 over the first two years of the contract for testing and analysis fees.
At the School Board meeting that followed, Ameresco representatives presented information on a series of Phase 2 projects that would upgrade the district’s facilities, primarily additional window replacement and roof replacement.
The additional work was put on hold until Kevin Judy, maintenance supervisor for the Oconto Falls School District, has an opportunity to review the proposal.
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