9/30/08 DMS Signs Facility Contracts Leading to Decreased Energy Consumption and Increased Savings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
CONTACT: JAMES MILLER, (850) 921-5266
~Agency's two new energy contracts reduce carbon footprint and improve infrastructure for 17 buildings statewide~
TALLAHASSEE - Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South announced today the agreement of two energy saving contracts updating 17 DMS-managed facilities across the state of Florida. These updates provide more than $1 million in savings for the agency over the next 16 years and significantly reduce the amount of water and electricity used by the facilities.
"As the agency responsible for state-managed facilities statewide, we have a responsibility to ensure those facilities are efficient in reducing our carbon footprint," said Secretary South. "These contracts ensure that we're doing our part and following Governor Crist's lead of reducing waste and providing savings to the taxpayers of Florida."
DMS signed Energy Performance Contracts (EPC) with Siemens and Energy Systems Group (ESG) for the improvements. An EPC is used by state agencies, municipalities, school boards and other state organizations to retrofit their existing buildings with new energy-efficient equipment. The savings generated are redirected to fund the cost of the improvements, guaranteeing no additional costs to the agency. These include:
- New, low wattage energy efficient lighting
- Installation of standard plumbing fixtures including low-flow faucets, water closets and foot pedals to existing restrooms
- Upgrading to more efficient mechanical equipment with new chillers, boilers and lab hoods
"With these difficult economic times, we have to find creative ways in making sure all of our buildings are as efficient as possible," said Dean Izzo, Director of DMS' Division of Real Estate Development and Management. "These contracts enable DMS to pursue capital improvements with funding coming directly from the energy savings."
DMS' contract with Siemens updates the Chappie James facility in Pensacola plus four Tallahassee facilities including Turlington, Twin Towers, Department of Environmental Protection Lab Complex and New Records Storage Center. The contract with ESG ensures efficiencies within 12 Regional Service Centers across the state including Daytona, Largo, Fort Pierce, Trammell, Hurston, Peterson, Fort Myers, Rohde, West Palm, Monroe and Opa Locka and the FDLE Building in Miami.
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