News
March 25, 2026

Ameresco Completes Energy Upgrade in Virginia

Construction Owners Editorial Team

Ameresco, Inc. has completed a major energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrade project for Pittsylvania County, enhancing the performance and longevity of the historic Moses Building.

Courtesy: Photo by Ameresco

The improvements were delivered through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), a model designed to fund upgrades through guaranteed long-term energy savings. The Moses Building, which houses the county sheriff’s office, now benefits from modernized systems while preserving its historic character dating back to the Great Depression era.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades Enhance Performance and Preserve History

A central component of the project focused on energy conservation and system modernization. Ameresco implemented a range of improvements aimed at increasing operational efficiency and occupant comfort while maintaining the building’s architectural integrity.

Key upgrades included installation of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system, replacement of aging single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane units, and restoration work to address water-related damage to interior finishes. These enhancements are expected to deliver measurable energy savings over the life of the project.

“Ameresco’s performance was outstanding and exceeded our expectations,” said Chris Adcock, Public Works Director at Pittsylvania County, Virginia. “Thanks to their attention to detail and commitment to excellence, the project delivered lasting benefits to our facility. We now have a more modern, efficient, and reliable environment that better serves both staff and the community.”

Coordinated Construction Minimizes Disruption to Public Services

One of the project’s key challenges was completing extensive upgrades within an active public safety facility. Careful planning and phased execution allowed construction teams to maintain daily operations without disruption, ensuring continuity for essential county services.

“This latest project reflects Ameresco’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency and helping our public-sector partners achieve their energy and sustainability goals, while also respecting historic architecture,” said Peter Christakis. “By leveraging the ESPC model, we were able to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades with guaranteed savings, while minimizing disruption to county operations, helping strengthen building performance and support the services the community relies on.”

Courtesy: Photo by Glenov Brankovic on Unsplash

The county prioritized the project to address aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and comfort challenges. By integrating modern systems into a historic structure, the initiative ensures the facility remains functional and efficient for years to come.

Additional Expanded Insights

  • ESPC Model Growth: Energy Savings Performance Contracts are increasingly used by public-sector entities to upgrade infrastructure without large upfront capital costs.
  • Historic Building Modernization: Projects like this highlight how energy upgrades can be implemented without compromising architectural heritage.
  • Operational Continuity: Maintaining full functionality during construction is becoming a key requirement for public safety and government facilities.
  • Sustainability Goals: Energy-efficient retrofits play a major role in helping municipalities meet long-term climate and cost-reduction targets.

Originally reported by Ameresco in Business Wire.

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