COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Three Southeast Ohio organizations will receive a combined $2.64 million in state grants to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs at their facilities.
The Ohio Department of Development announced more than $7.5 million in Advanced Energy Fund grants for 11 organizations across the state. The funding will support projects involving LED lighting, heating and cooling systems, building automation, solar installations and other energy improvements.
Barnesville Hospital Association in Belmont County will receive $1 million to replace windows, improve the building envelope, install a high-efficiency chiller, upgrade LED lighting and controls, and optimize heating and cooling controls in the emergency department. The project is expected to reduce annual utility energy usage by 20.3%.
OhioHealth Research Institute in Guernsey County will receive $641,500 to install LED lighting, optimize chilled water systems, improve kitchen ventilation, upgrade heating and cooling equipment, and complete additional energy efficiency improvements. The project is expected to produce annual energy savings of 19.6%.
The Muskingum County Board of Commissioners will receive $1 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting, window and building automation upgrades at the county courthouse, health department and juvenile detention center. The improvements are expected to reduce annual utility energy usage by 28.7%.
The Advanced Energy Fund provides grants to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and educational institutions for projects designed to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.
All projects selected for funding must demonstrate an expected reduction of at least 15% in energy usage.
Other recipients include Bath Local Schools in Allen County, Great Lakes Museum of Science, Environment and Technology in Cuyahoga County, Pike-Delta-York Local School District in Fulton County, Henry County Hospital, Lake County Commissioners, Ohio One Group LLC in Mahoning County, New Boston Local School District in Scioto County and Marietta College in Washington County.
The department said the program has awarded more than $32 million to 40 organizations in 29 counties to date. Previous projects include a $1.3 million grant for energy improvements at East Palestine City School District buildings and a $910,000 grant for the Dayton Convention Center renovation project.
Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said the investments are intended to help organizations reduce operating costs and direct more resources toward the communities and people they serve.
