On Dec. 20, the Multnomah County, Ore., Board of Commissioners announced a partnership with Ameresco Inc. of Framingham, Mass. The partnership will help upgrade and improve sustainability at the county’s Inverness Jail and Juvenile Justice Complex, both located in Portland. The project, which will center on an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) will specifically address energy and water conservation facility improvements while also supporting the county’s commitment to sustainability, outlined in its Climate Action Plan.

Ameresco Inc. — an independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions — will execute a comprehensive ESPC that is expected to save the county an estimated $239,000 annually, according to a statement by the company. These savings will be reflected in lowered water, gas and electricity bills.

Ameresco Inc. has already conducted an energy audit of nearly 676,000 square feet of space and has identified energy conservation measures. The nearly $2.5 million project includes lighting upgrades, new controls, heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) enhancements and water conservation improvements at the Inverness Jail and Juvenile Justice Complex.

In addition to the annual savings noted, Multnomah County will also receive $230,000 in incentives and grants that Ameresco Inc. helped secure, contributing to maximum savings for the project, according to a statement by the company.

“Working with Ameresco on these much-needed improvements is a win-win for Multnomah County,” said Jules Bailey, county commissioner, District 1, in a statement. “Not only does it allow for the county to use operational and energy savings to help pay for significant improvements, saving taxpayers money, it also allows the county to make tremendous strides toward our Climate Action Plan goals by reducing our energy and water usage at the Juvenile Justice Complex and Inverness Jail.”

“Our commitment starts with addressing our own assets,” added Eric Winn, energy and utility specialist for Multnomah County, in a statement. “Launching this work with Ameresco’s support and expertise allows us to invest in our county-owned buildings, not only significantly upgrading each facility’s operational efficiency and comfort, but also helping us to achieve a core goal in our overall plan.”

The county’s Climate Action Plan focuses on climate resilience that simultaneously reduces greenhouse gas emissions, prepares for future climate impacts, and equitably improves the health and wellbeing of the community.

The project will be completed later in 2017.