French town signs energy performance contract

While energy issues and environmental concerns are at the heart of local government, the town of Domène – with 6700 inhabitants located near Grenoble – embarked on a programme of renovation and improvement of energy efficiency of some of its buildings.  The energy performance contract (EPC) was signed with Schneider Electric and it is the first of its kind as a Public Market Energy Performance Certificate (MPPE) incorporating the provisions of the Decree of 25 August 2011 relating to global markets “Design, Implementation, Operation, Maintenance.”

With a total investment of 1.6 million euros, the contract has a duration of 8 years including a phase of work spread over 4 years. The warranty start after the results of the first phase of construction, scheduled for late 2012. Contractually, it is guaranteed a 14% reduction of total energy costs borne by the municipality, the duration of the contract.

This agreement will allow the Domène in accordance with the objectives set out in its Local Climate Plan (2010-2014) to renovate municipal buildings, improve their environmental performance, reduce energy costs and carbon footprint, but also to raise awareness and involve all of its citizens and municipal staff.

The results will be validated by the IPMVP (International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (see http://www.evo-world.org/)) protocol to demonstrate the energy savings achieved due to the implementation of energy efficiency solutions. This Protocol is validated by the Grenelle de l’Environnement and recommended by ADEME, the French national energy agency. It is used by Schneider Electric for all its customers, both industrial sites for commercial buildings, to ensure that the savings correspond to figures announced in advance of the project.

The work will apply to eight major municipal buildings that make up the city hall, sports facilities community hall, as well as kindergarten and elementary schools.

Information will also be reported via a display installed in the lobby of City Hall. They will raise awareness in real time and inform administered on Advanced Energy Performance Contract.