The Hillsborough Township municipal building needs a roof replacement. The heating, cooling and air conditioning systems came with the building and are at the end of useful lives. And solar panels will provide energy efficiency and cost savings.
In all, said Township Committeeman Carl Suraci, the combination of “must-do” projects with looking to the energy future was a “win-
win.”
The Township Committee took action Tuesday night to minimize the cost of energy improvements at the municipal complex by adopting an energy savings improvement plan and investment-grade audit offered by Siemens Inc.
The governing body authorized money for the project by bonding for $2.1 million.
The energy savings plan developed by Siemens, the township’s energy service company (ESCO), includes the replacement of the 20-year-old roof and dated HVAC system and other facility improvements for the $2.1 million. In addition to infrastructure replacements and energy-saving enhancements with in the building, the plan includes the installation of a solar photovoltaic system at no installation cost to the township.
The township, with the energy conservation measures, will save a minimum of $1.2 million in energy costs, while getting a new roof, 34 HVAC units, a central control system, lighting upgrades and solar-derived power, said Mayor Gloria ýPage=001 Column=001 OK,0000.00þ
McCauley in a release.
The savings outlined by Siemens is a guaranteed amount, the township said.
If in any year of the contract, the amount of savings falls short, Siemens will write the township a check for the difference,” said the mayor. “Any solar energy produced beyond the township’s usage is a bonus to the township.”
Installing a more energy-efficient HVAC system and solar panels will significantly offset the cost of replacing the roof and HVAC system through savings outlined in the energy audit by Siemens, said Ms. McCauley.
“Bottom line, this is a win for the township and a win for the environment,” said the mayor, echoing Mr. Suraci.
