Massachusetts-based energy company Noresco is helping the Californian city of Fullerton implement an $8.4m energy efficiency project that aims to save $12.1m during the contract period.

Funded entirely from generated savings, the project demonstrates that energy savings can help local governments tackle deferred maintenance while expanding smart city technologies and distributed energy resources.

“The goal of the city’s energy savings programme is to upgrade critical infrastructure and deliver economic and environmental benefits, for our residents and our staff,” said Fullerton mayor Fred Jung. “Through this programme, we will leverage guaranteed energy savings to pay for additional renewable energy, replace old and inefficient HVAC systems, and place additional electric vehicle charging stations. This will allow us to stretch our general fund dollars, while improving community safety, and progressing towards our sustainability and climate goals.”

A ground-mounted photovoltaic system at the main water plant will provide renewable energy, and carport-mounted photovoltaic systems at city hall and the police department will provide shaded parking in addition to renewable energy. Fifteen dual port integrated electric vehicle chargers throughout the city will provide public access to clean transportation fuel and generate revenue for the city.

The project will also enable the city to replace critical air-conditioning equipment that is at the end of its useful life and make other energy efficiency updates to building systems.

The upgrade of approximately 7700 lighting fixtures with new LEDs will reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan to at least 20 years. Additionally, Noresco will assist the city in work with Southern California Edison to convert nearly 600 pole lights to LED technology. Smart city technology in parks will include improved lighting controls and motion activation, capable of providing greater public safety benefits.

The project also provides decarbonisation benefits and is expected to reduce the city’s annual emissions of carbon dioxide by 2.8 million pounds. The total expected reduction in greenhouse gases equates to planting 1306 acres of trees, providing air quality improvements to the community.

The project includes a rigorous commissioning and measurement-based verification plan to ensure energy usage savings and operational success. Construction will use local subcontractors, expected to be more than 95% union-represented, and projected to create at least 50 local jobs.

It will also help prepare the city for conversion of series streetlight circuits to LED technology. Completion of the design package, cost calculations and budgets to convert a particularly problematic circuit will provide data the city needs to secure financing and then move forward with conversion.

“The city of Fullerton continues its progress towards healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent buildings and infrastructure, modernising the city while conserving capital, reallocating its energy spend and decreasing its carbon footprint,” said Jim Williams, vice president of Noresco. “We are honoured to serve and help make a positive impact on local budgets and the local community.”

Through its projects, Noresco has guaranteed more than $5bn in energy and operating cost savings at more than 10,000 facilities throughout the USA and abroad, while reducing customer CO₂ emissions by more than 25 million metric tons, equivalent to planting 1.4 million acres of forest.

Fullerton is in north-western Orange County, approximately 40km south-east of downtown Los Angeles. The city is well located for transportation, bounded by three major highways, and 24km north-west of John Wayne Airport. Fullerton has over 280 days of sunshine and a diverse blend of amenities with cultural, educational and entertainment resources. Population is 140,000.