Ameresco’s Energy Efficiency Project with Farwell Area Schools Recognized by Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Energy Savings Performance Contract model lauded as having significantly reduced the School District’s utility expenses while improving its infrastructure

FRAMINGHAM, MA – November 7, 2011 – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today that its Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Farwell Area Schools received an award from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  With extensive energy efficiency upgrades implemented in the high school, middle school and elementary buildings, the school district has reduced its carbon footprint by over 18 percent and created nearly $44,000 in annual savings.

As part of an event organized by the Michigan Chapter of the Energy Services Coalition, Farwell Area Schools was recognized during an awards luncheon at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing.  Carl Seiter, Superintendent of Farwell Area Schools, accepted the award and sat on a panel of guest speakers to discuss the District’s experience in implementing an ESPC.

“Farwell Area Schools believes that care and maintenance of your district’s facilities demonstrate good stewardship.  The community respects and remembers how a school district takes care of what they have,” said Carl Seiter, superintendent of Farwell Area Schools.  “Today’s recognition validates the success of this project, and we were fortunate to have a project partner such as Ameresco at our side throughout this process.”

Ameresco performed several energy efficient upgrades, including controls work and infrastructure improvements at the District’s school buildings.  Some notable improvements included a new building automation system, interior and exterior lighting upgrades, consolidation of boiler operations, damper replacement, resizing of the water meter, vending machine controls and the installation of domestic hot water pumps.  Additionally, the District’s staff now has internet access to the building control system.

“The District’s commitment to best practices, driven by all levels including the Board of Education, used energy savings performance contracting to maintain the District’s assets and to reduce costs,” said Louis P. Maltezos, executive vice president of Ameresco.  “We are so pleased that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has recognized our partnership, which has provided great results, with the District expected to save $35.36 per student this year.”

As part of the ESPC, Ameresco was able to reduce the school district’s carbon footprint by 342 metric tons of CO2 (over 18 percent).  The reduction is equivalent to removing 62 cars from the road, powering 31 homes through clean renewable energy or maintaining 79 acres of pine forest.

Ameresco has worked with school districts across North America to implement energy infrastructure upgrades designed to stabilize and reduce ongoing utility costs.  As part of its budget-neutral ESPC model, Ameresco can modernize a single facility or provide comprehensive campus-wide energy management systems, built from best-in-class energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions, financed entirely with future savings from campus energy conservation.

About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America. Ameresco’s services include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants.  Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers.  With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco provides local expertise through its 59 offices in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. Ameresco has more than 850 employees.  For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership serving as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan’s economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.