Department
Real Estate and Asset Management
Requested Action
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Request approval to accept an in-kind donation of services from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to assist the County in exploring an Energy Savings Performance Contract.
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Requirement for Board Action
In accordance with Georgia Code O.C.G.A. § 36-10-1, all contracts entered into by the County shall be in writing and entered on its minutes.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Open and Responsible Government
Commission Districts Affected
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All Districts |
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District 1 |
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District 2 |
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District 3 |
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District 4 |
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District 5 |
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District 6 |
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Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background
DREAM recommends that the Board accept the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA)’s technical assistance. In 2019, the Board adopted a Sustainability + Resilience Plan with goals and actions to make the County more sustainable. In 2022, the Board updated the plan with more aggressive goals and a shorter timeline. The updated plan calls for a 50% reduction in energy use and a 30% reduction in water use by 2030.
One of the best ways for local governments to fund energy and water efficiency improvements is with an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). ESPCs enable local governments to finance energy and water improvements with guaranteed utility savings rather than upfront capital. Typical projects include lighting, controls, HVAC, building envelope, recommissioning, and water-saving measures.
The federal government, most states, and Georgia have enacted legislation that authorizes public agencies to use ESPCs for facility improvement projects. Georgia state agencies and local governments are authorized to use ESPCs as provided for in the Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contracting Act (O.C.G.A. 50-37-1 et seq.).
Scope of Work: To help the County explore the use of an ESPC, DREAM applied for assistance through GEFA’s Energy Savings Performance Contracting Technical Assistance program. GEFA agreed to provide this technical assistance with an estimated total value up to $47,750. The donated services will be provided by GEFA’s contractor, 2KB Services, at no cost to the County with no additional requirements. Donated services include, but are not limited to, facility energy use intensity analysis, stakeholder engagement, advisory support, development of audience-specific presentation materials, delivery of presentations, assistance developing an RFP, proposal evaluation support, and negotiation of an Investment Grade Audit agreement.
Community Impact: If GEFA’s donation of services helps the county enter into an ESPC, the community will have more energy- and water-efficient County buildings with no taxpayer dollars spent.
Department Recommendation: DREAM recommends that the Board accept GEFA’s technical assistance.
Project Implications: If the Board does not accept GEFA’s technical assistance, it is unlikely that the County will be able to move forward with an ESPC.
Community Issues/Concerns: None.
Department Issues/Concerns: None.