Extreme Makeover, Hospital Edition: $30M Energy-Efficiency Renovation Slated for CVH

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has chosen NORESCO to retrofit Connecticut Vallley Hospital as part of the “Lead By Example” program, a new effort to reduce costs through energy efficiency at state and municipal buildings.

CVH is the state's primary treatment facility for mental and addiction services.

The project, which will cost $30 million, will be paid for through future guaranteed energy savings and will bring “much-needed and highly efficient energy systems and equipment” to CVH, according to a release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. CVH opened in 1868 and has suffered from its aging infrastructure. 

The project is the first under a new state program that allows state agencies and municipalities to enter into contracts with energy service companies to upgrade facilities and reduce energy costs. 

“This performance contracting project at Connecticut Valley Hospital showcases yet another innovative program the state is using to meet our objectives for Connecticut’s cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy future,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.  “This program supports our push to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars and also moves us closer to the goal of leading the nation in energy efficiency.”

“We are delighted to be leading by example in reducing energy use and costs,” said Patricia Rehmer, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.  “This performance contracting project offers a means for us to realize much-needed infrastructure improvements that will significantly increase efficiency, reduce operating and maintenance costs, and improve the living environment for our patients.  We look forward to working with NORESCO to achieve these savings and benefits.”

The Lead by Example (LBE) program is a collaborative effort across state government, involving the Offices of Attorney General George Jepsen and State Treasurer Denise Nappier, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), the Departments of Administrative Services (DAS), Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Construction Services (DCS), and the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).  This initiative is further supported by a public/private partnership with local non-profits such as the Tremaine Foundation, the Common Sense Fund, and the Hampshire Foundation, which help to create awareness of the performance contracting opportunities among municipalities.