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Bridgewater, Mass. Correctional Facility Earns Energy Star Award for Significant Energy Savings

Release Date: 10/06/2009
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 6, 2009) – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Corrections Bridgewater Correctional Complex, located in Bridgewater, Mass., was recently presented with an Energy Star “Combined Heat and Power” award for using highly efficient systems to save energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollution. The Bridgewater correctional facility was one of only four selected for national recognition in the EPA award.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source, such as natural gas, biomass, biogas, coal, waste heat or oil. CHP is not a single technology, but an integrated energy system that can be modified depending upon the needs of the energy user. CHP (sometimes referred to as “cogeneration”) is up to 60 percent more efficient than producing heat and power separately.

“We’re excited that the Bridgewater Correctional Complex is setting the pace for other major facilities in New England and across the nation,” said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator for EPA New England. “Reducing energy consumption through efficiency is just good common sense, and this facility is a role model for the region.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dept. of Corrections Bridgewater Correctional Complex received an award for using a CHP system that generates nearly 80 percent of its annual electricity demand and that meets the State’s nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission requirements without the need for add-on pollution controls. The CHP system operates with an efficiency of nearly 70 percent and effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from approximately 600 cars.

"Congratulations to the Department of Corrections' Bridgewater Correctional Complex on winning the Energy Star CHP Award," said Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Phil Giudice. "Generating 80 percent of the complex's annual electricity demand on site and achieving significant greenhouse gas emissions, Bridgewater's combined heat and power system is a great illustration of the Commonwealth's public agencies 'leading by example' as we pursue Governor Patrick's vision of a clean energy future."

Conventional fossil-fueled power plants produce power with a typical efficiency of about 30 percent. The projects recognized by EPA in this award are reaching operating efficiencies of at least 50 percent

Since 1999, EPA has given the ENERGY STAR CHP Award to recognize organizations and institutions that install exceptionally efficient CHP systems. In 2001, EPA formed a CHP Partnership working with organizations to reduce the environmental impact of power generation. In addition, the partnership supports the development of new projects that have significant energy, environmental, and economic benefits.

More information:

- Combined Heat and Power Partnership (www.epa.gov/chp/)

- Energy Star CHP award winners (http://epa.gov/chp/public-recognition/current_winners.html)

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