B-BP School Board Enters Into Energy Performance Contract

Bayport-Blue Point’s Board of Education Tuesday voted to enter into an energy performance contract that is estimated to save the district more than $281,000, 30 percent, on its annual energy costs.

Melville-based energy management company Ameresco worked with ECG Engineering, LLC of Smithtown on the energy audit and other project details. David Newman, Vice President of Engineering at ECG said there are numerous benefits to participating in an energy performance contract.

“It's a tested and proven mechanism to reduce energy consumption and operating costs and it reduces or eliminates the need for future bonds,” Newman said. “The district can reinvest energy costs into the schools instead of paying out to utility suppliers.”

Residents questioned if the money saved through this contract could be earmarked for academic programs. Michael Cipriani, Bayport-Blue Point's assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said the district can expect to see an additional $90,000- $100,000 in the fund balance annually.

Superintendent Anthony Annunziato said if the savings are approximately the same amount year after year, it might be possible for the district to commit to a new educational program.

The project includes 23 energy conservation measures and will reduce pollutants by approximately 2.2 million lbs. per year- that’s as if the number of cars on the road decreased annually by 192, according to Richard Kohrs of Ameresco.

One of the larger aspects of the project is the revamping of the lighting system. Nearly 4,000 fixtures will be rebuilt, replaced or upgraded, Kohrs said. The high school gymnasium will receive 128 new fixtures, but the LED bulbs aren’t the only part that makes the new gym lighting system energy efficient.

“If there is no activity in a certain area of the gym the lights will go off in that section only,” Kohrs said.

This level of efficiency carries over to other areas of the project. Building control is also key in conserving energy and cutting costs, according to Kohrs, who said workers can access the program remotely to have greater control of the system when buildings are occupied and unoccupied.

Other improvements as part of the contract will include the installation of an intermediary space between the middle school entrance doors and vestibule, one solar photovoltaic panel at the high school, approximately 3,300 sq. ft. of windows, a boiler replacement at Blue Point Elementary and 38 unit ventilators.

Bayport resident Rebecca Campbell asked Kohrs to explain the specifics of the relationship between the district and Ameresco during the 15-year contract period, which the state caps at 18 years maximum. The costs are calculated on current utility costs one year ago, and adjusted at the normal rate of inflation of 3 percent a year, Kohrs said.

Bayport-Blue Point School District owns the upgrades after the substantial completion of the project, Kohrs said, and the energy services company is responsible for all aspects of the project.

“We have a commitment to maintain and repair the equipment as needed throughout the contract,” he said. “The guaranteed energy savings will cover all project costs.”

Board President Jim March asked the anticipated project start date. Kohrs said Ameresco would submit the necessary paperwork to the state Feb. 8; he expects the project to kick off in the late summer of 2012 and be completed within one year, by September 2013.