Williamson County Launches $18M in Facility Modernization
Williamson County, Tennessee is partnering with Schneider Electric to invest $18 million to modernize infrastructure to prepare for 3% annual population growth over the next five years. Williamson is investing in facility upgrades as part of its broader commitment to becoming a leader in energy efficiency and sustainability. The project will combine innovative financing and technology to reduce energy spend by 28% and redirect funds previously designated for capital improvement to more strategic initiatives.
The project invests in 11 county sites, including the county administrative office complex, and library and includes comprehensive facility improvements including modernization of lighting, safety, security, HVAC systems and other energy improvements to generate substantial savings for taxpayers. The upgrades will also include the creation of central energy hub for the county to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The project will standardize the processes within the county’s day-to-day operations, benefiting the county long-term and accelerating longer-term capital improvement needs through the savings generated by initial operational reductions.
“It is our ambition to make Williamson County a recognized leader in energy efficiency and sustainability. This project represents a major milestone toward that goal and gives us the ability to future-proof our facilities for the benefit of our citizens,” said Rogers Anderson, Mayor, Williamson County.
“We’ve made a substantial investment in our facilities as proof of our commitment to energy efficiency and have chosen the leading ESCO in the U.S., who happens to be based in our community and understands our unique challenges and needs.”
Schneider Electric recently opened its Nashville Hub in Franklin, Tennessee, housing more than 900 Schneider Electric U.S. employees.
Like many growing counties nationwide, the county struggled with limited funding for facility improvements, slowing their progress toward their ambitious goals. To fund these critical improvements, the county is employing an energy savings performance contract (ESPC), where utility and operational savings are used to fund the improvements. This takes the burden off the taxpayers and creates additional opportunities to make modernization upgrades that further reduce operational costs.
“Williamson County has been incredibly smart in their approach to their energy and sustainability investments – using this project to make quick, impactful improvements that make the most of taxpayer dollars and introduce the most modern technology into their operations. This strategy puts Williamson County on the right path to achieving their goals, responsibly, and setting them up for long term success,” said Tammy Fulop, Vice President, Schneider Electric.
In addition to the facilities improvements, the project will make a significant environmental impact by saving more than 28% of the county’s energy and operational expenses.
Over the past 25 years, Schneider Electric has successfully implemented more than 700 ESPC projects across the nation, saving its clients nearly $2.5 billion. This project delivery method helps public entities make capital improvements over longer payback periods and offers many long-term benefits such as improved facility efficiency, occupant comfort, financial management and environmental protection.
For more information on how Schneider Electric helps municipalities tackle their energy efficiency and sustainability challenges, please visit www.schneider-electric.us/enable or contact your local Schneider Electric representative.