1st Choice Energy and Wingate Companies Complete Phase 1 of Significant Energy Efficiency Upgrade

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) June 19, 2014

1st Choice Energy is a participating contractor in Austin Energy’s rebate program for multi family and these energy saving measures are in accordance with program guidelines and designed to help conserve electricity and water. This program is one element of Austin’s comprehensive Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2020, approved in April 2010 by City Council and designed to improve local air quality through pollution avoidance, help optimize and control peak demand, conserve water and assist customers in reducing energy consumption.

The Austin, Texas area has been under a multi-year severe drought and the city of Austin is concerned about the outlook. As Ryan Rowney, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) executive manager of Water Operations recently stated, "This is one of the worst droughts this region has ever experienced, and 2014 is going to be another extremely challenging year. Until we get enough rain in the right places to fill the lakes, everyone is going to have to be exceedingly vigilant about how they use water."

The Barrington at Park Place Apartments is located at 3204 Duval Rd., Austin, Texas 78759. The property comprises 18 buildings containing 588 apartment homes, with 198,984 square feet of conditioned space.

The energy and water efficiency upgrades measures performed include: air infiltration (sealing) and wrapping water pipes; installation of attic insulation, modern efficient lighting, solar screens on all windows and low flow water devices. According to documents submitted to the Austin City Council, the reduction of kilowatt hours (kWh) is estimated to be at 327,502 kWh per year. This project will also prevent the production of the following air pollutants from being emitted: 196.7 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), 0.137 metric tons of Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), and 0.124 metric tons of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). The combined effects represent a major benefit to all stakeholders and the environment

“We are pleased to be working with Wingate as they demonstrate their corporate values in sustainability and environmental stewardship by participating in our local program and performing energy efficiency upgrades. Wingate’s dedication to maintaining their properties and creating a win/win/win scenario with Austin Energy and their residents is world-class. Through these upgrades their residents will feel improved comfort, experience monthly savings and actively conserve energy and water,” said, David Malone, 1st Choice Energy President and owner.

In addition to the reduced air and toxic pollution, the project savings are estimated to be equivalent to 441,533 vehicle miles traveled, the removal of 38 cars from Austin’s roadways, or the planting of 5,052 trees or 253 acres of forest in Austin’s park lands. The project will also generate approximately 147,376 gallons of water savings at the power plant.

According to Christopher Reilly, Wingate’s President, “1st Choice Energy came highly recommended as the premiere multifamily ESCO (energy services company) in the Austin market and we are pleased to be working with their team and the great folks at Austin Energy. Austin, Texas is a special place and we want to do our part to conserve energy and save water as well as create comfortable homes for our residents…” He also stated that, “We look forward to working in a partnership with 1st Choice Energy at two other apartment communities in the Austin Market.”

About 1st Choice Energy:
1st Choice Energy is an Austin-based, locally owned, energy efficiency company that provides comprehensive energy conservation services to single family and multi-family residential customers as well as commercial customers. 1st Choice Energy conducts Austin Energy ‘ECAD’ audits, comprehensive energy audits and HERS audits as well as providing a complete range of energy efficiency upgrade services such as; insulation, HVAC, solar screens, window film, duct sealing, building envelope (or 'enclosure' for our EE/HP vocabulary aficionados) sealing, lighting solutions (CFL and LED), programmable thermostats and low flow water saving devices. For more information, please call at 512-345-0956 or visit http://www.1stchoiceenergy.com.

About Wingate Companies:
Wingate is a multi-disciplined real estate firm differentiated by its team of thinkers. Strategic, detailed and proactive thinkers who know when to take action. The team at Wingate thoughtfully maximizes opportunities and value for their partner investors and property owners. With a 45-year track record in key markets nationally, Wingate’s proven approach yields results. Building upon two generations of experience and success in every aspect of real estate—including investment, finance, property management, consulting and sales—Wingate gets the most from a property by giving it the thoughtful attention it deserves. For more information, please call 781-707-9100 or visit http://www.wingatecompanies.com.

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