Town of Ausable Unveils Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Upgrade Plan for Highway Garage

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Tim Bresett
Supervisor
518.834.9052
supervisor@townofausableny.gov

Town of Ausable Unveils Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Upgrade Plan for Highway Garage

Ausable, NY – February 12, 2025 – The Town of Ausable, in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is proud to announce the completion of a detailed energy efficiency study aimed at reducing energy consumption, operational costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of NYSERDA’s Flexible Technical Assistance Program (FlexTech) designed to promote sustainable building practices.

The study, conducted by C.J. Brown Energy, P.C., provides an in-depth analysis of the current energy usage at the highway garage located at 1781 Route 9, Keeseville, NY. The report outlines several energy efficiency measures (EEMs) and building electrification strategies that promise significant savings and environmental benefits:

• Lighting Upgrades: The report recommends replacing remaining fluorescent lighting with LED equivalents, which could save approximately $445 annually in electricity costs.
• Temperature Control Improvements: Installation of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats and implementing deep setbacks are projected to reduce fuel costs by $1,387 per year.
• Building Envelope Enhancements: Insulation upgrades for the roof and walls, along with weather-stripping and caulking, are suggested to decrease heat loss, contributing to a total annual savings of $1,282 for these measures alone.
• Air Source Heat Pump Installation: As part of the electrification strategy, installing an air source heat pump in the office and breakroom areas is expected to provide long-term benefits, although with a longer payback period due to initial installation costs.

The study also benchmarks the facility’s energy use against similar buildings via the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, aiming for an Energy Star designation through these improvements.

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the state’s broader goals for sustainability: “By investing in energy efficiency, we not only protect our environment but also support our local economies by reducing the operational costs for public facilities like the Ausable Highway Garage.”

The implementation of these recommendations will lead to an estimated 31.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, translating to over 37,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent saved annually.

For more detailed information on the energy study or to schedule interviews with key stakeholders, please contact Supervisor Bresett

About NYSERDA:
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) advances innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York’s economy and environment. NYSERDA works with stakeholders throughout New York including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local governments, universities, utilities, and investors to develop, demonstrate, and deploy solutions that save money, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency, and boost clean technology innovation.

About Town of Ausable:
Located in the scenic Adirondack region, the Town of Ausable is committed to sustainable development and enhancing community welfare through responsible environmental practices.

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