Eversource and Liberty to provide NHSaves funding secured by Resilient Buildings Group
Manchester, NH – Just in time for the approaching colder weather, Easterseals NH has received funding of over $300,000 from NHSaves to make lighting and insulation improvements to its Easterseals Gammon Academy residential building at 200 Zachary Road in Manchester.
“Replacing light fixtures and adding insulation may seem like small steps, but they’ll make a tremendous difference for our residents and staff,” said Maureen Beauregard, Easterseals NH President and CEO. “Thanks to Resilient Buildings Group, Eversource, and Liberty, every room in the residential building will be warmer, brighter, and safer. In addition, we will see cost savings from this green energy project, which is no small benefit as utility prices continue to rise. We appreciate the support from our energy partners and the NHSaves program.”
The light emitting diode (LED) arrays within each new fixture will last up to 50,000 hours, or over five years, more than twice the lifespan of the fluorescent lamps they are replacing. “Not only will these fixtures reduce energy and maintenance costs, but their more durable construction makes them safer and more resilient in this environment,” said Jason Teaster, Easterseals NH Vice President of Facilities.
The total cost of the upgrades at the 59,000-square-foot building is approximately $350,000, with costs split between lighting and insulation. Through NHSaves, Eversource will cover nearly 100% of the cost of qualifying light fixtures. “We’re excited to be part of this collaboration for the benefit of Easterseals NH students and the environment,” said Frank Melanson, Energy Efficiency Supervisor at Eversource. Liberty will cover the total cost of the insulation update. “When we heard about this project and the positive impact it would make, we were all in. This project is what NHSaves is about,” said Matthew Minghella, Liberty Residential Program Manager.
Resilient Buildings Group (RBG), a Concord-based building consultant with energy efficiency expertise, helped Easterseals NH secure the funding from NHSaves. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Easterseals NH to identify and implement these energy saving measures with help from Eversource and Liberty,” said Chase Pennoyer, Vice President of Operations at RBG.
Easterseals NH will work with partners to install the upgrades this fall while minimizing disruption to Gammon Academy residents and activities. The improvements are part of an organization-wide initiative to upgrade and build new facilities to serve the needs of children, adults, and seniors of varied abilities.
About Easterseals New Hampshire
For more than 86 years, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that people of all ages with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A leader in social services for individuals with disabilities, Easterseals NH employs 1,600 individuals and provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 23,000 people each year with 11 core programs throughout the state. Visit easterseals.com/nh.
