Constellation Project Expected to Save Port Authority $27 Million

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is taking (another) huge step toward a more sustainable future by engaging with Constellation to install $25.8 million in energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

This recent initiative is one of many sustainable action items that the Port Authority has launched in recent years, such as using less energy to light its tunnels and encouraging commuters to be more environmentally responsible by using its high-speed transit system.

The upgrades are expected to save the Port Authority more than $27 million in operating costs over 20 years. The resulting savings will be used to fund the cost of the project, which is scheduled for completion in December 2016.

This project is one of many ways Constellation works with municipalities and government agencies to help them use energy more responsibly and save taxpayers money.

Here’s a look at how the savings add up.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

In 2012, Constellation was selected by a competitive request for proposal to provide $8.7 million in energy conservation measures for the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City, New York. 

Constellation was recently awarded Phase 2 of the project, which includes installing more than 5,000 LED exterior lighting fixtures at the George Washington Bridge, the Holland and Lincoln Tunnel Roadways, the Goethals Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing. Fun Fact: LEDs use significantly less energy, and they last up to 25 years longer, than both incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.

Constellation will also install efficiency upgrades at the administration buildings for the tunnels and bridges. That includes adding interior lighting and building automation controls, as well as weatherization improvements such as caulking, weather stripping, and adding new windows.

Water Conservation Measures

Reducing water usage by replacing boilers and chillers and installing low-flow toilets and faucets in the Port Authority’s administration buildings is a major component of this project. Toilets are among the biggest water drain in households and businesses, accounting for nearly 30 percent of water usage in an average home, according to the U.S. EPA. Replacing older, inefficient toilets with low-flow models allows a home or business to use 20-60 percent less water.

By implementing these water conservation measures, the Port Authority expects to conserve an estimated 1.1 million gallons of water annually. Combined with the efficiency measures, the upgrades are expected to save the equivalent of 3,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually—about 60,000 tons over the term of the contract. That’s equal to taking more than 12,630 cars off the road!

Want to know more about how your agency can take advantage of energy efficiency solutions? Contact us today.