ESCOLIMBURG2020

Together with the local government, Infrax examines how municipal or provincial buildings can be made more energy efficient. Infrax looks for an optimal solution and works from the perspective of profit maximisation for the client.

Infrax follows an integrated approach and looks at the building as a total concept. It proposes the most optimal solution, taking into account payback periods, available budgets and the requirements and needs of the administration and the people on the work floor.

Infrax uses its in-house knowledge in the field of engineering, law, administration, monitoring of savings, coordination of projects, etc. This knowledge, which has become a field of specialisation for Infrax, is not always available at the local level, often because of the time required for acquiring such knowledge. Infrax prepares all the necessary works in-house– from the fine-tuning of the existing heating systems to a thorough and total renovation of the building.

All aspects of energy consumption are examined: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, renewable energy and insulation. Infrax provides a total solution: information, advice, coordination, monitoring, implementation as well as financing.

In case of an ESCO pre-financing, the local government repays its investment in energy efficiency measures with what they save on energy costs.

Infrax uses framework contracts with specialized engineering companies and contractors in each of the relevant domains.

The goals of ESCOLIMBURG are in practical terms:

• € 19,837,230 in energy investments
• A minimum of 30% energy savings per building with an average of 40% of the total project
• The reduction of GHG emissions of 50,000 tons and at least 11,000 MWh / year of energy savings
• 44 local authorities receive a custom retrofitting & Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) for their heritage sites
• Analyze, improve, and unroll the public ESCO model throughout the province of Limburg

Infrax ESCO follows a 7-step approach:

1. Feasibility study - Based on a questionnaire and a visit to the building, a feasibility study is prepared, which includes an estimate of the costs and final savings. This feasibility study is conducted free of costs for the public administration.
2. Detailed study - After approval by the municipal council, all the techniques contained in the feasibility study are discussed during a scope-setting meeting, so that any necessary adjustments can be made. Once the scope is approved, the engineering consultants start drafting the detailed study. For each technique, the necessary specifications, plans and lists of measurements are prepared. This phase is paid for by the municipality.
3. Call for tenders - Tenders are invited on the basis of a list of qualified contractors. This also allows local contractors to send a price quotation. These contractors have be pre-selected and shortlisted, based on a technical tendering process, with technical, operational and financial criteria. Infrax has selected contractors for each of the techniques that are typically encountered in the projects.
4. Award - After approval of the award report by the management committee of Infrax and the public administration, a kick-off meeting is held with all the parties involved.
5. Implementation - The kick-off meeting decides on the start date and implementation period for the works. During the implementation phase, Infrax is also responsible for monitoring the work site.
6. Final acceptance - Infrax is responsible for inspecting the implemented works, so that a provisional acceptance of the works can take place. Any problems that may be present are identified in cooperation with the implementing parties and resolved. The final acceptance takes place after one year, following inspection.
7. Financial settlement - The municipality or the province pays for the investment based on its chosen financial option. The investment can be made from the municipal or provincial budget, a standard loan or through pre-financing via Infrax (loan for a maximum period of 20 years). Additionally, Infrax offers new financing options, which will emerge from the financial study.