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08/20/2024 04:28 PMEAST HAVEN
East Haven Town Hall is looking at a total of $8 million intended for energy efficiency projects at six school buildings, including East Haven High School (EHHS).
On Aug. 6, the East Haven Town Council approved an ordinance for the appropriations of “$8,000,000…for the acquisition, construction and installation of energy efficiency improvements in the Town of East Haven and authorizing the execution of a lease purchase agreement to finance such appropriation,” according to its agenda.
The $8 million is primarily intended for the installation of solar panels at six buildings within the East Haven school district, including EHHS. The appropriation is “part of a broader initiative by the town and the Board of Education (BOE) to implement cost-saving measures and make environmental improvements,” according to Ed Sabatino of the Office of Administration & Management.
Sabatino informed The Courier that the solar project “exemplifies the town's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure needs with minimal financial burden.”
“When we focus on sustainable energy solutions, the town aims to reduce operational costs and enhance the overall efficiency of its buildings,“ Sabatino said. ”Future projects will continue to explore opportunities for collaboration between the town and the BOE to achieve similar goals.”
The $8 million addresses both the installation of solar panels and “necessary roof repairs across all seven buildings” on the receiving end of the funding. According to Sabatino, the figure includes the “expenses for the roofing work, the solar panel installations, and associated peripheral costs.”
EHHS is in need of new roofing as the building approaches 30 years of age with a roof which is “starting to fail,” said Mayor Joseph Carfora. He said the dual roof repairs and installation of solar with the prospects of the project paying for itself in subsequent years made the project a “no-brainer.”
“The membrane of that roof was starting to come through and, if we had to replace the membrane that is on it first, it would cost millions more,” said Carfora. “We had to do something, and this project came into fruition, and we jumped on it. I think it's great for a town. I think it's great, economically, for the town, too. We're going to save a lot of money.”
The town will collaborate with the company Greenleaf Energy Solutions to carry out the solar project, while the financial aspect of this project, specifically the lease financing, is being handled by Bank of America, according to Sabatino.
“This partnership allows the town to leverage Greenleaf Energy's expertise in green energy while securing favorable financing terms through a reputable financial institution,” he said.
Town Hall officials touted the positive financial prospects of the energy efficiency project, which will make major public building assets more energy efficient, in addition to “addressing urgent roofing needs,” said Sabatino.
“The financial projections indicate that the project will generate a positive cash flow from the second year onward. These savings will be utilized to offset the lease payments, ensuring that the project remains financially viable and beneficial for the town,” Sabatino elaborated.
Town officials also view the installation of solar as part of larger effort to continue the modernization of East Haven’s infrastructure from Town Hall to schools.
With the installation of solar as part of the town’s broader initiative to bring in more energy efficiency improvements, Town Hall is also considering sustainability projects beyond solar in the future. One example includes the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at various locations in town, marking another example of the town’s cost-saving goals in efforts associated with sustainability.