Reed College awards $11M contract to Ameresco for campus decarbonization and energy system overhaul
Contract expands decade-long collaboration to modernize infrastructure and support decarbonization efforts
Reed College has awarded Ameresco an $11 million contract to carry out mechanical, electrical, and seismic upgrades to its campus boiler plant.
The agreement follows earlier contracts valued at $2.3 million for infrastructure design and procurement, and $1.8 million for lighting improvements. In total, Ameresco is currently delivering over $15 million in work at the Portland, Oregon campus.
Headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, Ameresco specializes in energy efficiency, infrastructure modernization, and decarbonization. The company serves clients in education, government, and commercial sectors across North America and Europe.
The new contract forms part of Reed College’s broader decarbonization strategy, with planned improvements intended to increase energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the long-term operation of core systems.
Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco, said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Reed College and support their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Our comprehensive energy solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of the college and enhance the learning environments on their campus.”
Ongoing infrastructure renewal
The partnership between Ameresco and Reed College began more than ten years ago with a $5.4 million efficiency project that upgraded mechanical systems, controls, lighting, and plumbing. That project generated annual energy savings of more than $250,000 and supported emission reduction goals.
Steve Yeadon, Executive Director of Facilities Operations at Reed College, said: “The central plant upgrade will not only deliver additional cost savings but also enhance energy efficiency and infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable campus energy management. These improvements reflect our dedication to creating a more sustainable and efficient campus environment and reduce our impact on greenhouse gases.”
Work under the new contract includes structural and system upgrades to improve reliability, safety, and long-term performance across key areas of the campus energy infrastructure. Ameresco will continue to collaborate with college stakeholders as part of the ongoing delivery plan.
