Renovations Mean Energy Savings for City

Mayor John Callahan announced the signing of a guaranteed energy savings contract with Constellation Energy to implement approximately $2.3 million in energy conservation measures at City-owned properties, according to a news release issued by the mayor's office last week.

The contract guarantees more than $3.3 million in energy cost savings over 13.5 years. Improvements require no upfront capital from the City.

Energy conservation measures are being installed at several buildings. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning control systems, fan coil units and one of the boilers at will be replaced. New lighting fixtures and timers will be installed in the garage beneath City Hall. A new boiler will be installed at Lincoln Fire Station. Almost all other City buildings will receive lighting retrofits.

“The guaranteed energy savings contract allows us to update our buildings with energy efficient technology without increased costs to taxpayers,” Callahan said. “These efforts are setting a standard for energy conservation in our City and we hope other businesses will follow our lead.”

Bethlehem has reduced its carbon footprint by 14 percent since Callahan signed the Climate Protection Agreement in 2006. The additional smart energy systems will bring a 20 percent reduction which means Bethlehem will meet or exceed its Climate Protection Agreement goal by the end of 2012.

Constellation Energy has implemented and helped finance more than 4,000 energy projects which save money, minimize costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is based in Baltimore.