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September 6, 2011
City of Gulfport uses EECBG grant to implement energy efficient improvements
As one of the fastest growing cities in the state, Gulfport officials recognized the need to address issues with aging infrastructure, escalating utility costs, staff training and education, and leveraging any funding available through grants. Another key objective was to adopt sustainable practices that would improve the health and quality of life for their community.
In 2009 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) appropriated funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to award grants to states, U.S. territories, units of local government, and Indian tribes under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This program empowered local communities to apply for grants that would fund strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.
The City of Gulfport received a $666,000 EECBG formula grant to use toward an energy efficiency and conservation project. The DOE expected funds to be used in a manner that would have a maximum impact in creating and/or retaining jobs, and stimulating the economy in the short-term while laying the foundation for a long-term sustainable, clean energy economy.
The City of Gulfport partnered with Johnson Controls to develop a wide-ranging performance contracting project to best leverage their EECBG funds. Under the performance contracting financing method, major infrastructure improvements pay for themselves through the utility and operational savings they generate. Because the project is self-funded, capital budgets are not affected and can be used for other pressing issues. Audrey George with Johnson Controls was quoted, “The City has been very wise with leveraging their grant dollars on this project. Instead of raising taxes to pay for the energy efficient infrastructure improvements, they have used energy savings are paying for them."
The $666,000 federal grant accounted for more than half of the City’s $1.1 million initiative to upgrade lighting, building controls, HVAC systems and other items throughout municipal facilities. This project also involved local partners such as ParExcelon Marketing & Advertising Group from the Mississippi area, who assisted with the marketing aspect of this project. to Johnson Controls is guaranteeing the City of Gulfport annual savings of $86,480 throughout the 15-year contract term. If savings in any year fall short of the guaranteed amount, the City will receive a check for the difference.
The City’s EECBG grant funded the following energy efficient project improvements in specified buildings:
- Lighting Upgrades
- HVAC Split System Replacements
- HVAC Roof Top Unit Replacement @ Central Fire Station
- Johnson Controls Metasys® automated building control system
With the implementation of this performance contracting project, the City of Gulfport will realize the following savings:
- 60 percent reduction in annual lighting consumption through installation of more energy-efficient light fixtures
- 30 percent reduction in annual HVAC energy consumption with the installation of more energy efficient HVAC units and a new automated building control system
A comment was taken from the Mayor regarding use of the EECBG funds and this Performance Contracting project:
“Because of this grant and the work of Johnson Controls, we are making significant strides toward a more energy efficient city. Upgrading the electrical and mechanical infrastructure is a critical step, allowing the City to become more environmentally friendly and cut costs at the same time.”
-Mayor George Schloegel
City of Gulfport
About the City of Gulfport
On July 28, 1898, Gulfport was incorporated. In 1902, the harbor was completed, and the Port of Gulfport became a working seaport.
The Port of Gulfport has flourished over the years and today accounts for millions of dollars in annual sales and tax revenue for the state of Mississippi.
From its simple, humble beginnings as a lumber and port city, Gulfport has evolved into a diversified community. With about 6.7 miles of man-made white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, due in part to recent gaming activities. Home of the annual "Worlds Largest Fishing Rodeo," Gulfport is a residential community that is blessed with a strong business center.
The downtown area provides a strong mercantile center. Along the beach are historic home sites with several motels scattered throughout to accommodate the golfing and water tourist that make up a large part of the economy.
In December 1993 the City annexed 33 square miles north of Gulfport making it the second largest city in Mississippi with a land area of 62.37 square miles and a population in excess of 70,000.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 142,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
