The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is implementing $1.4 million in facility enhancements to improve operations and efficiency at its headquarters facility. TAC by Schneider Electric will complete the work as a performance contract and guarantees the agency will save $37K annually utility costs.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) in Clanton, Ala., is implementing $1.4 million in facility enhancements designed to improve operations, comfort and efficiency in its 23,000 square foot headquarters facility. AEMA took on this initiative to actively comply with the 20% reduction in energy consumption mandated by the Executive Order 33 established by Alabama Governor Bob Riley. TAC by Schneider Electric, the building management and energy services business of Schneider Electric, will complete the work as a performance contract with the agency. TAC guarantees that the AEMA will reduce its utility costs by at least $37,000 annually when the project is completed in January 2010.

This building is the operations center for emergency response in Alabama, and all FEMA and state disaster relief is managed from this facility during major emergency response periods. Unfortunately, the building lacked a modern control system, used excessive energy and was experiencing equipment issues. In addition, lighting quality and design was poor, fire system and domestic water fixtures needed modernization, and there were problems with the chemical treatment system, all contributing to an uncomfortable environment for AEMA staff.

"This facility must be fully operational 24/7, with no down time allowed— ever," said Terry DeVaughn, director of facilities for the AEMA. "We were impressed with TAC's record of working in similar facilities and TAC assured us that they could complete a major mechanical and automation retrofit without disrupting our operations."

Performance contracting offers many long-term benefits for government agencies, such as improved facility efficiency, occupant comfort, financial management and environmental protection. Typically, new, more efficient equipment and upgraded facility automation systems maximize energy efficiency and generate utility savings. TAC guarantees the amount of savings performance contracting projects will achieve and agrees to pay the difference if that amount is not realized.

TAC's solution for the agency includes removing the existing pneumatic control system and replacing it with a full direct digital control system; redesigning the lighting and HVAC distribution in office areas for new, brighter, energy efficient fixtures; replacing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with new mechanical equipment, installing high efficiency plumbing; and upgrading the fire system control

Once completed, the AEMA will enjoy full control of their energy management system (EMS), fire control, and biofiltration system for chemical attack. The new lighting and HVAC design for the office areas-will substantially improve the comfort level and visibility at the agency while the new plumbing fixtures will save water. Elimination of chemical treatment on site will create a safer and healthier environment.

"Because of the demands of emergency management, we agreed to an immediate cease work order if the agency is in emergency mode at any time during this project," said Shon Anderson, vice president of sales, TAC Energy Solutions. "We are committed to supporting the AEMA in their important work and to providing them with a more comfortable, energy efficient facility. TAC is guaranteeing a 45 percent reduction in energy usage for the agency when the project is completed."

The energy savings TAC promises for the AEMA is equal to reducing carbon emissions by 335,654 pounds and avoiding 1.2 million pounds C02 pollution and 4,500 pounds of N0x pollution. This is equivalent to planting more than 76,000 trees, avoiding almost 1.4 million miles of driving, or taking 136 cars off the roads.

About TAC
TAC, the building management and energy services business of Schneider Electric, is a leading provider of solutions that deliver measurable business results to customers by enabling them to do more with less energy. With over 120 years of experience in the HVAC, energy and security arenas, TAC employs more than 8,000 people worldwide, with partners in 80 countries. TAC's parent company, Schneider Electric, is the global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, offering integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centers/networks. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 114,000 employees achieved sales of more than 18.3 billion euros in 2008. For more information, visit www.tac.com and www.schneider-electric.com.