An Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) is an innovative funding mechanism used by the Architect of the Capitol to pursue energy and water conservation projects without incurring up-front capital costs or obtaining special appropriations to pay for improvements.
Energy Savings Performance Contracts in the House Office Buildings
In FY 2009, AOC entered into an ESPC to cover facility infrastructure upgrades in the Rayburn, Longworth, Cannon and Ford House Office Buildings, as well as the Page Residence Hall. Highlights of the project include upgrading over 33,000 fixtures in all buildings with energy-efficient lamps and ballasts, and adding state-of-the-art lighting controls in selected areas for daylight harvesting and dimming. The contract also calls for upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls.
In addition, the AOC has installed new low-flow restroom fixtures and faucets in all buildings, planted a demonstration green roof in the central courtyard of the Cannon Building and replaced steam traps in all House Office Buildings.
Once completed, the effort is projected to achieve a 23 percent reduction in total energy consumption, a 32 percent reduction in total water consumption and approximately $3.3 million in annual energy savings.
Energy Savings Performance Contracts in the Senate Office Buildings
In FY 2010, AOC entered into an ESPC to cover facility infrastructure upgrades in the Hart, Dirksen and Russell Senate Office Buildings. Highlights of the project include upgrading nearly 31,000 lighting fixtures in all buildings; adding state-of-the-art lighting controls; expanding the centralized dimming system; and integrating occupancy and daylight sensors.
The contract also includes upgrading existing pneumatic and electric controls for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with direct digital controls and providing an ongoing program to train building automation system operators specifically in the monitoring and diagnosis of energy-related controls deficiencies. In addition, the AOC will be replacing nearly 170 existing transformers with approximately 120 high-efficiency transformers, and installing removable insulation covers for steam valves to reduce heat loss.
Once completed, the effort is estimated to realize a 35 percent reduction in total energy consumption and approximately $3.9 million dollars in annual savings.
Taken together, reductions in emissions related to the projected electricity savings in the House and Senate Office Buildings would be equivalent to removing nearly 10,000 cars from the road or planting over 4,495 acres of trees.
Energy Savings Performance Contract in the U.S. Capitol Building
In FY 2010, AOC entered into an ESPC to cover facility infrastructure upgrades in the Capitol Building. Highlights of the facility upgrades include upgrading existing light fixtures with high-efficiency lamps, ballasts, and reflectors, as well as installing new replacement fixtures and occupancy sensors. The contract also specifies upgrading existing pneumatic and electric controls for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with direct digital controls. These improvements will reduce energy consumption and improve temperature and humidity control.
Once completed, the project could realize a savings of more than 4,637 megawatt-hours of electricity annually and a savings of 107,587 million British thermal units (MBtu) of steam and chilled water annually.
The Future of AOC’s Energy Savings Performance Contracts
While this work is still ongoing, these efforts have already produced significant energy savings.
The AOC will continue to implement new, smart technologies in these historic, emblematic facilities of national and worldwide significance and to maximize efficiency, enhance the workplace, and balance its people, planet and fiscal responsibilities.
