Facility Improvements Financed Through Energy Savings
GREENSBORO, N.C. (November 5, 2012) — Brady, a Trane® independent office providing energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, has begun facility improvements to enhance the learning environment at nine Edgecombe Community College buildings. The upgrades are estimated to cost $1.4 million. Eight of the buildings are part of the main campus in Tarboro, N.C., and one is part of the Rocky Mount, N.C., campus. Students, faculty and staff will benefit from better lighting and temperature control.
“Studies show that the classroom environment (lighting, air quality and temperature) has an impact on an educator’s ability to teach and a student’s ability to learn,” says Phil Kirk, director of Brady Energy Services. “What’s more is ECC is improving the learning environment at net-zero effect to the college, with no capital expenditure or expense to the taxpayer required.”
ECC leaders funded the upgrades with a performance contract. Performance contracting is a funding option that provides measurable business results to support strategic objectives. In this case, the performance contract allows the college to use future energy and operational savings to finance the infrastructure improvements up front. Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort systems and solutions and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, through Brady anticipates the energy savings will exceed $2.3 million over the next 15 years.
“We are excited to collaborate with Brady to install energy conservation measures and reduce energy consumption campus wide,” says Dr. Deborah Lamm, president of Edgecombe Community College. “From our unique program in historic preservation to courses that focus on conservation and green technology, we have implemented a variety of initiatives and technology in an effort to reduce our footprint on the environment. This energy savings contract is another important step in that process.”
The improvements by Brady to the college include lighting upgrades, new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, as well as building automation. When complete, the college is expected to reduce its annual energy consumption by:
- More than 1 million kWh, the average annual usage by 685 households*
- More than 260 million BTUs of natural gas the average annual usage of five households*
*Based on estimated average household usage according to the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
About Brady:
Celebrating its 50th year, Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., with offices in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Charlotte. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing 328 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, access controls, performance contracts, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as responsible technical support. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com or call (800) 849-1915.
About Ingersoll Rand:
Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® —work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; secure homes and commercial properties; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced control. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visitingersollrand.com or trane.com.
About Edgecombe Community College:
Celebrating its 45th year, Edgecombe Community College offers more than 100 two-year degree, one-year diploma, and short-term certificate programs in fields that are in high demand. Health sciences programs have long been a hallmark of the college. In 2011-2012, Edgecombe enrolled nearly 1,500 health sciences students in programs including nursing, respiratory therapy, and CT/MRI. With campuses in Tarboro and Rocky Mount, the college offers a number of programs that are unique to the area, such as barbering, cyber crime, esthetics, geospatial technology, I-TRIZ, and radiography. Edgecombe serves more than 14,000 people a year in curriculum and continuing education courses.
Historic Preservation student Britany Mitchell (foreground) works with other Edgecombe Community College students to repair a fireplace mantel in a historic home. The college’s Historic Preservation program is the cornerstone of its sustainability initiatives.
