Tuesday, April 1, 2014
News Release April 1, 2014 The RHA Pledges Energy EfficiencyContracts/Goals Rockford, IL- The Rockford Housing Authority, continues to seek pathways toimprove operational efficiency as well as ways to improve the condition of properties in our portfolio; all in our Rockford neighborhoods. In seeking out these opportunities, the RHA Board of Commissioners supported RHA’s application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for an Energy Performance Contract (EPC). Early in 2013, the RHA Board authorized RHA to enter into an agreement with Johnson Controls for the purpose of advancing an EPC to improve its property, achieve savings and provide a more affordable environment for the residents of RHA. The project is anticipated to generate$7.3 millionin construction work/improvements for RHA property ;creating jobs and opportunity now when our community truly needs it. HUD approval is expected today. Over the EPC contract RHA will save $8.4 million that early in the project will pay the EPC debt service but over time allows RHA to reinvest in our neighborhoods. Early in 2014, the Better Buildings Challenge expanded to include multi-family properties. RHA committed to expand its commitment to energy efficiency in our 2.6 million square feet of multi-family housing by joining the BB Challenge. RHA pledged to save 20% of its energy costs within ten (10)years; $413,325 annually (Calculated at a current annualized basis). “The expansion of the Better Buildings Challenge to include multi-family housingrepresents an important step toward achieving the goals laid out in the President’s Climate Action Plan,”observes HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. As a means to stretch RHA funds even further, RHA applied for and received$598,389.00 in energy grant funds from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the University of Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC). “RHA is very appreciative for the partnerships that allow these types of successes to shine on our Authority; our successes are not possible without our invested partners. Further, it is always a great win when we can get our communityback to work; this contract not only meansimprovements and savings it also means jobs,” Ron Clewer, CEO. About Rockford Housing Authority… Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is committed to being a catalyst for positive change in the neighborhoods where its residents live. RHA operates under the belief that a quality home is the foundation of society and community and that a quality home life provides hope and the pathway to achieving the goals of its residents. RHA provides housing to low-income families, elderly and disabled citizens of Rockford. About The Better Buildings Challenge… The Better Buildings Challenge supports commercial and industrial building owners by providing technical assistance and proven solutions to energy efficiency. The program also provides a forum for matching Partners and Allies to enhance collaboration and problem solving in energy efficiency.Through the Better Buildings Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is highlighting leaders that have committed to upgrading buildings across their portfolio, and providing their energysavings data and strategies as models for others to follow.http://www4.eere.energy.gov/challenge/about About Johnson Controls… Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Johnson Controls delivers products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs in buildings for more than one million customers.Our solutions have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 15 million metric tons and generated savings of $7.5 billion since 2000. About Energy Performance Contracts… Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is an innovative financing technique that uses cost savings from reduced energy consumption to repay the cost of installing energy conservation measures. Normally offered by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), this innovative financing technique allows building users to achieve energy savings without upfront capital expenses. About SEDAC… The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) at the University of Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity invites eligible public housing authorities to participate in the Efficient Living: Illinois PublicHousing Authority Energy Program. This program encourages public housing authorities and their residents to incorporate energy cost reduction practices into their daily operations. The program will support implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency measures that help meet annual state energy savings targets. In addition, implementing such measures will also enhance economic development in the State of Illinois through job creation and business development. More information is available here: Better Buildings Challenge]]>