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PLYMOUTH COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS

CHALLENGE

This correctional facility's outdated Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system required modernizing in order to improve efficiency and reduce annual energy cost. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) retained B2Q to find the best approach while maintaining strict facility protocols. Because there could be no disruption to security or daily operations, the CHP system was required to be installed outside dual perimeter security fences to permit 24/7 access for service, electrical conduit, and hot water piping.

OPPORTUNITY

B2Q conducted a technical and economic feasibility analysis for the CHP system and subsequently provided bid-assistance, design peer review, construction administration, and commissioning services. Revisions were made to address changes in thermal loads as other energy conservation measures were added or removed from the original scope.

  • Net annual cost savings of $115,000

  • 950,000 kWh in electricity savings

  • 72,000 therms in natural gas savings

  • Utility incentives of $112,500

  • Simple payback period of 9 years

RESULTS

B2Q successfully updated the CHP unit selection, design, and performance specification to ensure the final system was not significantly oversized and inefficient. The following savings were realized:

Market:

Public Sector

Services:

Building Systems
Resiliency and Distributed Generation

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The ETIC RCx project was an outstanding success, delivering verified energy savings and operational improvements that exceeded UMass Lowell’s expectations. The project achieved impressive annual cost savings—10% higher than initially projected—while reducing energy intensity by 14% for UMass Lowell’s third-largest utility account.

Beyond cost savings, the initiative delivered significant environmental benefits, cutting annual carbon emissions by 530,000 lbCO2e. Additionally, it enhanced lab safety through robust lab pressurization tracking and the recalibration of all terminal devices.

This success was made possible through the unwavering collaboration between UMass Lowell, B2Q, and NGRID, demonstrating the power of partnership and a shared commitment to cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Daniel Abrahamson 
University of Massachusetts Amherst

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