City of Rome cashing in on energy efficiency upgrades

Energy savings total more than $700,000 over three years; expected financial benefits total $8.5 million over 15 years

MILWAUKEE – (March 05, 2011) –The city of Rome, NY and Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), today announced the energy savings from a citywide energy efficiency program total more than $700,000 since the project began. In March 2008, the city selected Johnson Controls, a global leader in making public and private buildings more energy efficient, to help reduce its utility costs and carbon footprint through an energy conservation program.  By 2024, Rome is expected to realize more than $8.5 million in energy, operations and maintenance savings and projected revenues as a result of this project.  

Among the infrastructure improvements is the energy-efficient, diffused aeration system at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).  The diffused aeration system increases the city of Rome’s WWTP’s capacity to handle additional sewage-based waste streams. Through this increased capacity the city plans to maximize the potential for increasing waste treatment revenues by accepting septic loads from external sources. The facility also will be used to support economic development opportunities as the plant capacity can now handle additional large commercial businesses in Rome. 

“Our long-term growth depends on using energy as efficiently as possible – at all of our facilities,” Mayor James Brown said.  “It makes good economical and ecological sense.  Through our partnership with Johnson Controls, we’ve been able to lower costs and reduce energy consumption, while strengthening our ability to support the needs of current and future residents.”

The energy efficiency upgrades are part of a 15-year performance contract between the city and Johnson Controls.  The improvements are funded through a performance contracting model, which enables the city to offset the costs of the improvements with energy and operational savings over time.  Johnson Controls recently announced its current public sector building efficiency projects in the United States are projected to save more than $4.7 billion in reduced energy, water and operational costs over the next 10 years.

“Energy efficiency has never been more important, especially in communities like Rome,” said Bruno Biasiotta, vice president and general manager, Energy Solutions Americas, Johnson Controls.  “Through the performance contract and other financing methods, we were able to bring the finest in wastewater treatment plant technology to the city, while generating significant energy savings.”

Johnson Controls also installed variable-speed drives on low-lift pumps at the water filtration plant and implemented data-tracking management tools and lighting retrofits at various facilities – all designed to improve energy efficiency while saving taxpayer dollars.

Brown noted that the cost savings from the energy efficiency project will repay the capital investment over the contract’s term -- without increasing the city’s operating budget.  “These are tough economic times,” Brown said.  “Instead of raising taxes to pay for the infrastructure improvements, the energy savings are paying for them.”

[an error occurred while processing this directive]City Hall, City Yard, Rome Arts Center, the central fire station, police department offices and other municipal buildings have received energy upgrades.

National and local organizations have taken notice: In 2009, Rome received the Environmental Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (Central New York chapter) and the Municipal Achievement Award from the New York Water Environment Association.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 142,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.  In 2011, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #1 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

About the City of Rome

The city of Rome, NY, is located in Oneida County, 45 miles east of Syracuse.  The community of 35,000 residents boasts a not-for-profit community hospital, a 6,000-student K-12 school district, a regional campus of Mohawk Valley Community College and one of two campuses for the New York State School for the Deaf.  A recipient of numerous community awards, Rome was named the 19th Most Secure City by Farmers Insurance Group in 2005; in 2007, it was honored (along with Utica, NY) as the 23rd Best Green Place to Live by Country Home Magazine.

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