Paris, June 23, 2011.
La Manche begins energy renovation of its real-estate assets and signs an energy performance partnership contract
On June 23, Jean François Le Grand, Chairman of the La Manche regional administration (Conseil Général) and Thierry Raison, Chief Executive of EDF Optimal Solutions, signed an energy performance partnership contract (known as a CPPE after its name in French), covering the energy renovation of 20 schools, three museums and the headquarters of the Conseil Général of the La Manche département. This CPPE is the third public-private partnership contract to be signed in France by a local government body to renovate public facilities. The result will be a 58% reduction in the CO2 emissions of the buildings, a guaranteed 32% in energy savings for 15 years and improved comfort for users of the facilities.
A pioneering project for an administration that is highly aware of energy issues
By entering into this ambitious project, the La Manche Conseil Général is making a decisive move to take on board the recommendations of France's Grenelle Environment Forum. According to the recommendations, local government bodies in France should reduce the carbon footprint of their real-estate assets by 38% by 2020.
The renovation program is very much in line with the innovative initiatives taken by the Conseil Général to promote sustainable development as part of its Planète Manche Agenda 21 program.
The combination of two industry benchmarks
The energy and environmental performance targets to be met and guaranteed for 15 years will be achieved by combining the expertise of two benchmarks in the field of energy eco-efficiency—EDF Optimal Solutions and Dalkia. Their alliance has been concretized through the creation of a special purpose company named EDDAL EcoManche, which will be a partner to the La Manche Conseil Général.
EDF Optimal Solutions will design the energy solutions for the buildings to be renovated and carry out all the necessary work over a period of 19 months. The works will be executed using the services of many small and medium-sized companies in the area.
Dalkia, which is a joint subsidiary of EDF and Veolia Environnement, will operate and maintain all the installations for 15 years, thus preserving the energy and environmental performance over the entire contract period. To carry out the contract, Dalkia will provide La Manche with 23 maintenance technicians from its Cherbourg and Saint Lô agencies.
An extensive project
To maximize energy savings and CO2 reductions, EDF Optimal Solutions and Dalkia have suggested taking simultaneous action on several fronts, using innovation solutions and renewable energy sources. The works include:
- insulating the buildings:
to avoid energy losses - using wood to heat the buildings:
installation of 14 heat plants fired by wood energy, which is renewable and very low in CO2 emissions - ventilation with energy recovery:
the outside air will be preheated using the energy recovered from the contaminated inside air, thus reducing heating costs - installation of low-energy lighting
- remote management systems to monitor and manage energy consumption in the buildings.
In addition to the works, the occupants of the schools and Conseil Général sites to be renovated will receive help with how to make energy savings (eco-friendly behavior on a daily basis). The informational tools will be produced in partnership with and promoted by the Centre Permanent d'Initiative pour l'Environnement in Lessay.
The CPPE: an innovative response to energy issues for local government
The energy performance partnership contract (CPPE) is very attractive for local government bodies. It will enable the La Manche Conseil Général to benefit from many advantages:
- The administration does not have to find the funding to begin the works. These will be financed by the consortium;
- The administration will reimburse the investment in the form of rental payments over a long period;
- The energy performance is guaranteed throughout the life of the contract;
- The administration has excellent visibility over the costs of maintenance and equipment replacement throughout the contract period;
- La Manche will lengthen the life of its real-estate assets and optimize user comfort;
- At the end of the contract, the Conseil Général's assets will be in perfect working order.
Aside from these advantages, the renovation project will generate direct economic spin-offs for the La Manche département because:
- the works will make use of local small and medium-sized companies;
- the use of wood energy will stimulate the development of renewable energies in the departément and the local wood production business.
"This innovative project affirms EDF Optimal Solutions' goal of being a preferred partner of local government bodies for energy eco-efficiency. It is directly in line with the EDF group's commitments to the Grenelle environment process and an excellent illustration of its stance on low-carbon solutions. Along with La Manche, we share the belief that the energy performance contract is a forward-looking possibility that brings exemplary environmental performance within the reach of local government. We would like to encourage local government decision-makers to follow this example, which unites budget management, respect for the environment and improved user comfort."
"This initiative by the La Manche Conseil Général shows how the energy and environmental challenges facing us can be taken up by mobilizing all local actors, the government authorities that outline the objectives and the legal and financial framework, companies that can bring their experience and expertise, and, lastly, the citizens who are at the core of the system. This innovative and virtuous project is in direct line with Dalkia's energy efficiency and environmental strategy."