Governor Hassan Highlights State Employee Energy Efficiency Efforts

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CONCORD – May 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — In order to highlight state government’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, Governor Maggie Hassan today presented the Governor’s Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards at the State’s annual energy conference hosted by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Department of Administrative Services.

“We all know that the cleanest and cheapest source of energy is the energy that we don’t use, and through our energy efficiency and conservation efforts, state government is helping to lead the way,” Governor Hassan said. “I want to thank our hard-working state employees for all that you are doing here and throughout the state to improve energy efficiency, day in and day out. In order to build on our progress, we must continue to support our State Energy Manager’s efforts to reduce the state’s energy costs and manage our energy use.”

In the last nine years, the State has saved at least $8 million in energy costs through efficiency measures and through switching to lower-cost fuels. Since 2009, the State passenger auto and truck fleet has reduced mileage by approximately five percent, which has translated to 1.4 million fewer miles that New Hampshire taxpayers have had to pay for. And between Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year 2014, the square footage of building space used by state government has increased by 12 percent while overall energy use has decreased by two percent.

Awards were given to Seth Prescott of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and to the New Hampshire Department of Safety. An award was also given to the State Retro-Commissioning Initiative, a five-agency collaboration that includes the NH Department of Administrative Services; Department of Safety; Department of Transportation; NH Hospital; and the Adjutant General’s Department.

Individual Recognition Awardee Seth Prescott works as a Project Manager in the Design Development and Maintenance section of the Commissioner’s Office at the Department of Resources and Economic Development. Prescott is tasked with managing the utility accounts for the Department’s hundreds of buildings. He recently participated in an initiative to help reduce energy use at the State’s parks and campgrounds, an effort which included educating park visitors on how their behavior affects energy use and can contribute to energy conservation. Seth’s diligence has saved the State thousands of dollars over the years.

The Department of Safety was chosen as this year’s Model Energy Agency award recipient for its “above and beyond” energy saving strategies and active involvement in the State Government Energy Committee. The Department recently initiated the use of an Automatic Vehicle Location system for better fleet management and maintenance, which saves fuel and prolongs the life of the vehicles. Vehicle purchases are thoughtfully executed with the strategy of downsizing to the most fuel efficient vehicle for the job. Additionally, the Department uses a hands-on approach when it comes to energy efficient technologies when designing, building and operating new facilities.

The final award, the Outstanding Project or Initiative Award, was presented to the five agencies involved in the State’s Retro-Commissioning Project. Retro-commissioning is a process that evaluates a facility’s equipment and control systems and makes recommendations to improve the efficiency of its operation. The State’s many buildings contain a myriad of energy systems and over time these systems drift out of optimal performance. Agencies follow the consultant’s recommendations to bring the systems back in line. The savings attributed to this project have been significant.

The conference began with a morning plenary session, which included an overview of the Department of Transportation’s energy reducing strategies on the road, in buildings, and in its fleet. The conference also featured workshops on relevant topics and an energy fair where energy efficient technologies and services were displayed.

Contact:
Communications Office
(603)271-2121

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