Savings to Sustainability: A Proposed Project Finance Method to Deliver Sustainable Federal Buildings

This paper presents a novel finance project delivery concept, Savings to Sustainability (S2S), that bridges the existing gaps between energy projects implemented using alternative financing mechanisms, sustainability initiatives, and greenhouse gas reductions. Bridging these three areas will have a synergistic effect in terms of meeting Federal agency goals for energy, water, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Although reducing energy results in reduced GHG emissions, financial savings is the major driving force behind Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC). The aggressive requirements pertaining to sustainability and GHG reduction goals requires an integrated and more holistic approach to retrofit and renovation projects. The S2S finance project delivery method enables existing buildings to achieve net zero carbon through a graded approach that includes energy & water efficiency, on-site renewable power generation, and green power procurement.