Johnson Controls, the globally renowned provider of for smart and sustainable building solutions, has announced the completion of phase one of its project with Gunnison County, in Colorado, USA, which included the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and LED lighting in five County buildings.
PV panels and LED lighting
The phase one improvements are the continuation of the Gunnison County’s long-standing commitment to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities and operations. The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and LED lighting will help the County reduce greenhouse gas emissions, made possible by an Energy Services Agreement (ESA).
The County has been electrifying and improving the efficiency of its facilities over many years
The County has been electrifying and improving the efficiency of its facilities over many years, and the addition of PV generation is an exciting next step in a long-standing commitment to lowering the environmental impact of County operations. The project was enabled through the Colorado Energy Office.
Solar arrays deployed
When considering their sustainability mission, Gunnison County officials were committed to leveraging solar power to achieve their strategic GHG reduction goals.
Selected for its specialized experience in solar PV technology, energy storage, lighting and structured finance programs, Johnson Controls worked with county leaders over the past year to put their plan into action. The completed solar arrays, built on six County buildings, will total approximately 308 kilowatts (kW) in provided power.
All-electric heating and cooling systems
Two of the sites are located on buildings that have previously been converted to all-electric heating and cooling systems, using highly efficient ground source heat pumps. The solar arrays will directly offset the electric power needs of facilities and the County estimates solar will generate 40% of the power for the Courthouse and 80% of the power at the Health and Human Services Building.
“There is a lot of pride in Gunnison County having large-scale solar arrays provide power for public buildings, proving our commitment to being a leader in sustainability,” said Gunnison County Commissioner, Jonathan Houck.
Achieving strategic GHG emissions reduction goals
Reducing our County’s GHG emissions is a crucial part of our dedication to a greener, healthier community"
Jonathan adds, “Reducing our County’s GHG emissions is a crucial part of our dedication to a greener, healthier community. Our partnership with Johnson Controls allows us to continue exploring new energy efficiency opportunities to serve future generations of Gunnison County.”
When considering their sustainability mission, Gunnison County officials were committed to leveraging solar power to achieve their strategic GHG reduction goals. Selected for its specialized experience in solar PV technology, energy storage, lighting and structured finance programs, Johnson Controls worked with county leaders over the past year to put their plan into action.
Energy Services Agreement (ESA)
By employing an Energy Services Agreement (ESA), the project leverages energy cost savings to help pay for the project over time. In addition, this project is supported by additional funding secured through a US$ 497,500 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). These funding methods enabled the County to quickly make necessary infrastructure improvements for long-term sustainability.
"Funding from the DOLA Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) program is helping Coloradans socially or economically affected by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels," said Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Executive Director, Rick M. Garcia, adding "It is also an incentive for eligible local governments to launch planning and implementation of renewable energy solutions that meet the needs vocalized by their communities."
Making buildings energy efficient
“Johnson Controls has been making buildings efficient and safe for 135 years, and our obligation to deliver comprehensive, best in class solutions to our customers has never been more important,” said Rowena Adams, Account Executive for Performance Infrastructure at Johnson Controls.
Rowena adds, “Solar and energy solutions like the ones we’ve implemented throughout Gunnison County’s facilities will continue to make the community a healthier place to live, work and play. These energy projects are the result of strong leadership at Gunnison County. They are an impressive force.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic spread, phase one of the project was completed in compliance with the social distancing practices to be followed, as per the federal government and health organizations’ health and safety guidelines. Phase two of the project will be completed by leveraging the same safety measures and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2020.
Installing ground source heat pump system
Phase two includes building envelope improvements within the County’s Blackstock Government Building
Phase two includes building envelope improvements within the County’s Blackstock Government Building and a ground source heat pump system which will dramatically reduce energy use and will make the building the County’s 3rd all-electric building.
“Gunnison County has had a long-standing commitment to reducing energy use and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from its operations through energy efficiency and adoption of alternative HVAC strategies, such as ground source heat pumps,” said John Cattles, Sustainable Operations Director at Gunnison County.
Modernizing equipment and building systems
John adds, “The solar arrays are an exciting next step along the energy journey the County has been on. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that is able to take the vision and values set by our elected leaders and efficiently and consistently turn that into great projects and outcomes for our community.”
Johnson Controls has a long history of working with local governments throughout North America to create environments that inspire and engage both residents and leaders. Through Performance Infrastructure projects, we have helped nearly six hundred local governments modernize equipment and building systems, improve infrastructure and energy spend, and address on-going maintenance needs.