City of Hammond Announces Energy Savings Program

rot5Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. has announced that Hammond is partnering with Leopardo Energy to develop and implement an energy conservation program to help the City go green. Using guaranteed energy savings financing, the City will make upgrades to its facilities, streetlights and fleet that will reduce its carbon footprint and lower expenses.

Over the next 14 months, residents will see many upgrades including: new LED lights, building automation controls and HVAC systems at the Public Works Complex, Police Station, Fire Stations, Jean Shepherd Center, Civic Center, Hammond Boxing Club and Environmental Education Center. Other upgrades include conversion of all city-owned streetlights to new LED fixtures. And finally, 239 new vehicles for the Police Department, Fire Department, Inspections Department and Public Works, which includes 119 vehicles with bi-fuel propane systems, will replace numerous outdated vehicles.

The savings generated by reduced utility, fuel and maintenance costs will finance the program improvements. These energy conservation measures are guaranteed to produce over $26 million dollars in savings over 15 years. “This program is a great tool for the City to make much needed capital improvements, increase energy efficiency and create positive cash flow for additional projects,” stated Mayor McDermott. “Not only is going green great for the environment, but is also a savings opportunity for the City.”

Leopardo Energy will hold an information meeting for local contractors interested in participating in the program in the near future. Details will be posted on www.GoHammond.com.