National Aquarium Teams Up With Constellation For Energy And Environmental Conservation Initiatives

(Baltimore) – The National Aquarium is teaming up with Constellation to support environmental conservation efforts in Baltimore and throughout the Chesapeake Bay and implement energy and water conservation measures at its 33-year-old Baltimore facility.

"We could not be more pleased about this initiative with Constellation,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO. “Our two organizations have deep roots in Baltimore and serve a national audience.  The Aquarium's mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures fits nicely with Constellation's strong commitment to drive energy conservation; both benefit our blue planet in many ways.  And, by supporting the Aquarium's conservation education programs and upgrading the energy efficiency of our facilities, Constellation will help us to deliver meaningful experiences to millions of guests from throughout Maryland and the nation.” 

As the lead sponsor of the Aquarium’s Chesapeake Bay Initiative, Constellation’s funding of $1 million over the next five years will provide accessible and innovative science-based educational opportunities for Aquarium guests, volunteers and students. This initiative includes supporting the Fort McHenry Wetland Restoration program, as well as the award-winning environmental education programs, Terrapins in the Classroom and Wetland Nursery. Constellation will also assist in upgrading the Aquarium’s on-site education carts that promote environmental stewardship and conservation values through experiences where visitors can touch live animals, examine artifacts and engage in conversations with Aquarium staff.

“Constellation is proud to support the National Aquarium in its efforts to educate and connect the community with the Chesapeake Bay and importance of environmental stewardship,” said Joseph Nigro, CEO of Constellation. “We are committed to helping our customers, like the National Aquarium, conserve energy, save money and better manage their energy usage – not only to help them achieve their business goals but also as part of our vision of creating a brighter, more sustainable future for the communities we serve.”

The Aquarium will implement $3.7 million in energy and water conservation measures through a 15-year energy performance contract (EPC) with Constellation. Under the terms of the EPC, the water conservation and energy efficiency improvements provided by Constellation require no upfront capital from the National Aquarium and are guaranteed to provide $235,000 in cost savings annually. The Aquarium will use the guaranteed savings to fund the project in addition to utility rebates for energy efficiency upgrades.

Maryland Clean Energy Center facilitated the project financing for the National Aquarium with its lender. “I am delighted that we could help such a highly visible and popular attraction as the National Aquarium to bring funding to this project,” said Kathy Magruder, executive director, Maryland Clean Energy Center. “The Maryland Clean Energy Center has now demonstrated the ability of the Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program to assist not-for-profit entities with affordable energy improvements.”

The Aquarium’s energy and water conservation measures will include lighting upgrades and controls, chiller and boiler replacements, building envelope improvements, updated water fixtures and controls as well as transformer replacements. The measures will avoid the creation of more than 12,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data.  Work is scheduled for completion in early 2015.

_{National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world’s natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collections; science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field from the Chesapeake Bay to Costa Rica; and partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations around the world.  For more information on the National Aquarium, visit www.aqua.org.}