12/17/2009
In authorizing the Public Building Commission of Chicago to enter into an agreement that will secure $6.5 million in capitol financing, the PBC’s Board of Commissioners are able to move forward with the energy performance contract that is expected to save the Daley Center more than $9 million over the next 15 years while reducing the building’s long-term energy and water usage.
“This project reflects the Public Building Commission’s consistent commitment to being good stewards of the public fund while protecting the environment by conserving resources,” said Erin Lavin Cabonargi, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission. “By pursuing these improvements to the Daley Center, we will be able to both conserve energy and reduce utility expenses for years to come.”
The PBC would enter into the agreement with Green Campus Corp., securing the $6.5 million to finance the bulk of the project. Plans for the upgrades include enhanced lighting and lighting controls, chiller renovations and modifications, upgrades to the HVAC systems, water conservation efforts, new boiler controls and updates to the building control system.
The energy performance contract, established between Daley Center building manager MB Real Estate and Noresco will be financed through the guaranteed energy savings projection that was securitized by Green Campus Corp. Noresco completed an energy audit of the Daley Center earlier this year and identified measures through which both money and energy could be saved.
The Richard J. Daley Center has been able to achieve an Energy Star rating of 76. The Energy Star rating, coupled with the upgrades delivered through the energy performance contract, will make the facility eligible to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Existing Building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago and its other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the PBC’s chairman. Additional information about the PBC and its projects is available at the agency’s Web site: www.pbcchicago.com.