State Buildings Energy Conservation Bond Program

The State Buildings Energy Conservation Bond program is designed to finance energy improvement projects on state owned buildings. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality administers the program which uses bond proceeds to fund the projects and energy savings to repay the bonds. The state of Montana encourages agencies to participate in the program to achieve available energy savings.

Benefits to Agencies

Comfort
Most energy projects produce more comfortable buildings with fewer drafts and more even climate control.

Quality Light
Lighting systems are designed to deliver optimum light levels for tasks using less energy.

Reduced Maintenance
Automated control systems and newer equipment require less maintenance; new light systems reduce routine lamp and ballast replacement for up to five years.

Zero Budget Impact
Agency utility budgets remain constant and in many cases the projects can be financed without agency contributions.

Types of Projects

Projects have to meet payback criteria to qualify for funding and can incorporate one or more of the types of projects listed below:

Lighting Upgrades
Often the first part of a more comprehensive energy project, lighting projects can yield some of the fastest paybacks and can result in reduced air conditioning loads. Payback calculations for lighting projects are quite accurate to insure savings.

Tune-ups
Checking out control and system functions can solve comfort problems and give facilities a priority list for future improvements. Also called recommissioning.

Insulation and Infiltration Control
Besides saving heating and cooling costs, these projects can reduce the size of heating and cooling systems needed. This is a good measure to consider before replacing heating and cooling equipment

HVAC System Upgrades
Heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment upgrades can include improvements to existing equipment or replacement.

When to Consider Energy Projects:

  • Building has not been upgraded for energy improvements in 20 years
  • Building is undergoing remodeling or renovation
  • Major equipment is at the end of its useful life
  • Comfort complaints or poor working conditions exist
  • Energy use or cost has increased more than 20% in the past 5 years

To discuss options for assessing your building's energy use, contact:

Georgia Brensdal, P.E.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
1100 North Last Chance Gulch
P. O. Box 200902
Helena, MT 59620-0902
Phone: (406) 841-5240