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In 2007, with 50 percent of the County’s energy dollars supporting the jail system, Facilities Management staff recognized early on that incorporating enhanced energy efficiency upgrades would pay long-term dividends to the tax payers and the environment. Then on Aerial of Alachua County Jail December 2008, a mere week after the issuance of the ECSC Final Report, the Board of County Commissioners committed $7.7 million to the Jail Energy Conservation Project Phase II.
For Phase II, Facilities staff anticipated a reduction in energy consumption by 50% with a corresponding cost-saving of well over $900,000 per year. Project scope included the replacement of 76 Roof Top Units (RTUs), installation of water reduction icon systems and the roof replacement at the County Jail.
To achieve this, the County chose direct financing rather than a performance contract and capital lease arrange to significantly reduce project borrowing costs. Direct financ- Alachua County Jail ing also allowed the County more flexibility in the design of the project and a better return on investment. The energy savings were also used as the pledge to pay-back the $7.7 million loan at 4.09%. Energy savings from the project are expected to payback the debt service on the loan over a 15 year period. The County should realize an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) on this project of between 5% - 10%.
Charlie Jackson, Alachua County Facilities Manager stated, "Building green makes very good business sense as it reduces operating cost over the life of the building and ultimately provides the County with another high performing and sustainable building."
ICLEI Participation
Alachua County Investing in Energy Efficiency