Connecticut Valley Hospital getting energy efficiency makeover

MIDDLETOWN >> A comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade was recently launched at Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) — a project that will largely pay for itself through reduced energy costs and result in modernized buildings, reduced energy use, and real savings in operating and maintenance costs, according to a press release issued by the state.

At a ceremony at CVH, the Commissioners of three state agencies — the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), which operates the campus; the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which is spearheading an initiative to reduce energy use at state facilities; and the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), which oversees state buildings — celebrated the start of work on the 30-month construction project which has guaranteed savings of $31.9 million over the 15-year performance period.

The project at CVH is the first of several planned at state facilities using an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC).

This contracting approach enables agencies to use future energy savings to finance upgrades to aging facilities and replace inefficient and failing equipment — reducing operating costs.

Use of such a contract repurposes dollars that would otherwise be spent on wasted energy and instead uses the money on deferred maintenance improvements that conserve energy resources and reduce air pollutants and harmful greenhouse gas emissions — while lowering the ongoing operations and maintenance costs.

The CVH work includes replacement of a failing underground steam pipe, upgraded high efficiency LED lighting, a cogeneration plant that will convert discarded heat from electricity generation into useable steam and electricity, a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, and many other upgrades to address systems that are beyond their useful life and failing.

The investments in upgrades in heating, cooling, lighting, and power will continue to produce energy cost savings after the project’s 15year payback period ends.

The work will be completed and guaranteed by NORESCO, a United Technologies company.