Ameresco Delivers Energy Savings Projects to Four Colleges in Scotland

David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco, said: “Ameresco is honoured to work with the Scottish NDEEF and the Colleges to provide comprehensive energy saving solutions.  We are committed to expanding our UK operations, and to delivering sustainable energy efficient solutions for existing and new clients.”

The project was funded by Scottish Government’s 2017 Capital Stimulus Programme. The installation contracts were signed in May 2017, and due to the timing restrictions on the funding, the entire programme from IGP to installation had to be completed within six months. Installation of the improvements had to be completed during the college summer holidays to avoid disruption.

In addition to the accelerated timeline, the historic nature of the area and buildings added to the challenges faced by Ameresco’s implementation team.  Special care was taken where archeologically significant materials were found at a former medieval battlefield and grave yard at Newbattle Abbey College, and careful coordination was required with Historic Scotland and Midlothian Council to ensure all work was carried to meet the preservation requirements of the building and grounds.

ECMs implemented at the Colleges included LED lighting and controls, a combined heat and power (CHP) system, controls optimization, variable speed drives and CO₂ sensing, gas oil to natural gas conversion, smart occupancy controls, low flow taps and showers, building envelope improvements and transformer tap downs.

“Newbattle Abbey College was delighted to participate in the project. Our 16th century building, and heritage estate has benefited enormously from the project investment which will enable a significant reduction in carbon emissions and accrue energy savings which can be reinvested in our estate.” – George Currie, Estates and Facilities Manager, Newbattle Abbey College

“These projects are helping us reduce our carbon emissions and meet our duties as outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. In addition, significant financial savings are being realised, which will help us invest in future projects.” – Annette Burton, Principal, Edinburgh College

“The College was pleased to participate in this programme as the projects undertaken will contribute to the College delivering on its commitment to reduce the carbon footprint and the targets set out in the Carbon Management Plan 2016-2020.” – Jennifer McLaren, Vice Principal, West Lothian College

Ameresco’s streamlined processes and efficiency of operation enabled this challenging programme to be mobilized, delivered and installed within the original timescale. A combination of the Colleges’ existing contractors, select local contractors and national providers were utilized to install the projects.  Subcontractors were managed by Ameresco, ensuring minimal disruption to College staff during project installation. Ameresco worked with a third-party M&V consultant to develop the appropriate protocols to meet the Colleges expectations for measurement and verification of savings following project installation.

“The success of this project would not have been possible without the collaboration between the College site teams, their senior management and Ameresco,” stated Britta MacIntosh, Ameresco’s Vice President of UK Operations. “Our goal was to identify and implement a project that would deliver the most benefit and value to each College based on their unique requirements. The challenging logistics of each site required a true partnership with the Colleges and we are honoured to have worked with all those involved.”