Project will upgrade building systems, lighting, appliances and more across 2,500 units BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., working in conjunction with the Bridgeport (Conn.) Housing Authority (BHA), will soon begin to implement approximately $20 million in energy efficiency and other improvements to single- and multi-unit public housing throughout the BHA system. Under the Siemens Energy Savings Performance Contract signed June 23, the project, when finished, will yield substantial energy savings, avoided equivalent costs, create jobs and provide more comfortable year-round living conditions for residents. According to BHA, this project is the largest energy performance contract to date in Connecticut. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) The project aligns with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) energy reduction initiatives which allow BHA to apply the energy savings derived from the improvements to service the debt that funds the entire project. Local utility United Illuminating is also contributing to the project's overall financial feasibility through approximately $1.8 million in rebates, materials and other contributions. Overall, the project's budget will reach a total of $22 million. BHA Executive Director, Nicholas Calace said, "We're proud to be good stewards of public funds while improving the quality of life for our residents and becoming good global citizens." Energy and resource efficiency upgrades will be implemented at six major BHA complexes and at more than 500 scattered sites, covering some 2,500 units. Siemens will manage the project and direct the delivery and implementation of heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) related systems, new boilers, interior lighting and sensor-activated exterior security lights. Siemens will also implement sophisticated wireless building automation systems, which allow for remote system operation via the internet, at 5 of 6 major BHA sites. Under the terms of the contract, which guarantees energy savings, avoided energy expenses over the next 20 years will provide the equity basis for the loans financing the project which is scheduled to be completed on a 14-month schedule. The project also engages BHA residents and will promote local hiring and jobs. Siemens Building Technologies' Building Education Program awarded a $62,000 grant to the Green Team, a local not-for-profit organization which is set to engage BHA residents and train them in weatherization techniques such as installing door seals and calking. "Through our subcontractor Can-Am, a portion of the weatherization will be sub-contracted to the newly created Resident Operated Business (ROB) in Bridgeport," said Siemens Building Technologies' National Public Housing Team account executive Rich Carroll. "This particular aspect of the project is very satisfying," added Carroll, "and will touch the lives of people in a meaningful way through the creation of jobs that have the real potential to create stable employment as the green economy grows." According to BHA the energy efficiency work will reduce electricity use by 35%, natural gas by 24% and water use by 45%. Once all the system upgrades and improvements are made, Siemens guarantees 837,637 kWh of annual electricity savings and 279, 971 ccf in reduced annual natural gas consumption. Over the 20-year life of the performance contract, the energy saved will result in an overall reduction in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions of some 96,674,448 lbs. which translates to an equivalent impact of removing 9,447 cars from the road, planting 13,145 acres of trees or not consuming 4,979,021 gallons of gas or 101,692 barrels of oil. Overall, the energy and resource efficiencies achieved by the project fit under the City of Bridgeport's leadership outlined in its Master Plan. As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and security systems solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, secure and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,400 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries. For more information on Siemens Building Technologies, visit: http://www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGODATASOURCE: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. CONTACT: Steven E. Kuehn, +1-847-941-6047, Web Site: http://www.sbt.siemens.com/ http://www.buildingtechnologies.usa.siemens.com/

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