Pennsylvania's Indiana Area School District Selects Constellation for Approximately $16 Million in Facility Improvements

INDIANA, Pa. (Oct. 17, 2012) - Constellation and Indiana Area School District (IASD) today announced an agreement for approximately $16 million in facility improvements to the district's maintenance and administrative buildings, Ben Franklin Elementary, East Pike Elementary, Eisenhower Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary, Junior High and Senior High schools.

Constellation was selected by a competitive request for proposal process to engineer and implement energy efficiency and water conservation measures, and building infrastructure upgrades designed to reduce operating expenses and increase the lifespan of the schools.

Under an energy performance contract (EPC) with Constellation, the conservation measures are guaranteed to provide the district $5.6 million in energy savings over 15 years.

"This project will improve the operation and educational environment of our schools and equip them to function efficiently for the next 20 years," said Dale Kirsch IASD superintendent. "The EPC with Constellation allowed our school district to accelerate the timeframe for needed efficiency upgrades. By utilizing existing capital budgets, we are also able to undertake significant infrastructure replacements without additional taxpayer revenue."

"During a time when schools are challenged to do more with less, energy performance contracting is a valuable resource for financing needed facility improvements," said Michael D. Smith, vice president of solar and energy efficiency sales for Constellation. "By taking steps to better manage energy use schools are able to reduce operating costs while demonstrating to students, faculty and the community the role conservation plays in environmental stewardship."

By implementing water and energy conservation measures, IASD expects to conserve an estimated 919,000 gallons of water and avoid the creation of 1,656 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually over the next 15 years.

The conservation measures and infrastructure upgrades to be installed by Constellation under the EPC include: energy efficient lighting and occupancy sensors; low-flow toilets and faucets; HVAC replacements and direct digital controls upgrades; building mechanical systems upgrades; caulking and weather stripping; and roof replacements.

Constellation will also work with IASD to implement a program to educate students about the importance of energy conservation and ways to reduce energy usage.

Work is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013.

A NAESCO-accredited Energy Services Provider, Constellation has assisted commercial customers and public agencies throughout the U.S. to implement energy performance contracting programs. Customers interested in energy efficiency and environmental solutions may contact Constellation at 1-800-4ENERGY or cepsinfo@constellation.com.