Background
Like most cities, the City of Cincinnati is challenged by its aging facilities and limited capital funds. Most of the facilities were built at a time when energy and operational expenses were not a major factor in building design and most are now in need of technology and comfort upgrades.
What is Energy Services Performance Contracting?
State of Ohio enabling legislation introduced in 1994 (and amended in 2008) allows municipalities to fund capital improvements with energy and operational savings through a guaranteed performance based contract. The installation of energy savings measures can be financed by Ohio municipalities over the average useful life of the equipment, typically 15 years, and is not included in the calculation of the municipality’s net indebtedness.
How is the City of Cincinnati Currently Using Energy Services Performance Contracting?
The City owns/operates nearly 400 buildings. Energy audits of key buildings have been conducted at 88 buildings to date, including City Hall, the Duke Energy Convention Center, and facilities operated/managed by Fire, Police, Recreation, Health, Parking, Lunken Airport, and Public Services. Nearly $14 million of energy efficiency upgrades in 69 City facilities was leveraged by less than $1.4 million of City capital and $1.1 million of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding. When all the lighting, heating and air conditioning, building automation, and building envelope upgrade work is completed, City energy use will be reduced by more than 10.1 million kWh and energy costs will be reduced by nearly $1.1 million per year. The work will also generate 45,817 kWh of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8, 886 metric tonnes.
How did the City Fund the Current Performance Contracts and What are the Expected Environmental Benefits?
Energy Savings Used to Pay for Projects = $13,981,768
Duke Energy Rebates Anticipated = $329,665
Federal Grant Funding = $1,084,930
State Grant Funding = $145,000
City Funding (less than 10% of total project costs) = $1,369,000
Energy Reduction = 10.1M kWh/44,941 mcf
Energy Generation = 45,817 kWh
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction = 8,886 metric tonnes
What City Buildings will Receive First round of Energy Efficiency Retrofits?
City Hall
Duke Energy Convention Center
Fire, Police
Recreation
Health
Parking
Lunken Airport
Public Services
What are Examples of Energy Efficiency Work Currently Being Performed in City Facilities?
- Significant HVAC upgrades including installation of energy efficient boilers, cooling towers, air handling units, energy-efficient infrared radiant heat and other upgrades at Recreation, Health, Fire & Police facilities and City Hall.
- Comprehensive lighting upgrades to all facilities, including replacement of 45-1000 watt light fixtures at the Impound Lot with 49-750 watt fixtures, LED lighting at the Elm Street Garage and induction lighting at all other parking garages, and a complete lighting renovation at the Elm Street Clinic.
- Installation of new building automation systems that enable facility managers to make remote efficiency/comfort adjustments to several facilities.
- Building envelope sealing, including commercial grade weather stripping at roof/wall seams, windows, and door seals.
- Storm windows and window tinting installation in City Hall.
- Solar photovoltaic system installation at the Convention Center and a vegetative roof installation at City Hall.
What Benefits does the City Expect as a Result of Implementing the Performance Contracts?
- A total guaranteed minimum annual City energy savings of $1,075,763.
- Upgraded facilities that reduce energy use and require less maintenance.
- More comfortable conditioned air spaces.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at City facilities.
