Efficiency programs set for Chesco government buildings

Efficiency programs set for buildings

WEST CHESTER Chester County is set to save $6.7 million in energy costs through a plan to improve energy and water efficiency in government buildings, county officials announced Thursday.

The county commissioners approved a 15-year, $5.9 million energy performance contract Thursday with Constellation NewEnergy, an Exelon company. Improvements to county buildings include energy-efficient lighting, building automation system upgrades, and low-flow toilets, sinks, and showers. The county will save an estimated 2.2 million kilowatt-hours in electricity and more than 18 million gallons of water every year, Commissioner Michelle Kichline said.

Constellation soon will start the energy-conservation and building improvements in facilities that include the county administration building, the Justice Center, the Historic Courthouse, the Government Services Center, the Chester County Prison, Pocopson Home, and the Henrietta Hankin branch of the county's library system.

The company is scheduled to complete the work by next January. "This new project reflects our continued commitment to implement water and energy saving measures for the good of the environment but that also have the benefit of bringing a monetary return to the county," Terence Farrell, chair of the commissioners, said in a statement.

Source: Philly.com