Ameresco, Reed College Partner on $11M Campus Energy Upgrade
Ameresco solutions, has announced a major new phase in its long-standing relationship with Reed College in Portland, Oregon. As part of a continued commitment to supporting institutions in their energy transition, Ameresco has secured an $11 million design-build contract to implement a comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and seismic upgrade of the college’s central boiler plant. This critical infrastructure project represents a significant milestone in Reed College’s broader master plan to fully decarbonize its campus and reduce its environmental impact.
This new contract builds on existing collaborations between the two organizations, including a $2.3 million infrastructure design and procurement initiative tied to the same boiler plant upgrade. Additionally, Ameresco is already engaged in a $1.8 million lighting modernization project that spans the entire Reed College campus. Together, these active projects amount to more than $15 million in ongoing work—an investment that underscores the college’s dedication to sustainability and Ameresco’s role as a key strategic energy partner.
Advancing Sustainability Through Infrastructure Modernization
Reed College’s central plant upgrade is designed not just to modernize outdated systems, but to transform how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed across the campus. This high-impact project integrates seismic retrofitting for resilience, along with comprehensive electrical and mechanical improvements that will significantly enhance the plant’s performance, reliability, and efficiency.
By upgrading the campus boiler infrastructure, Reed is laying the foundation for a low-carbon future—aligning with its institutional goals of environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. Once complete, the system will support cleaner, more efficient energy use while improving thermal comfort and system reliability for students, faculty, and staff.
“Our collaboration with Ameresco represents more than just facility upgrades,” said Steve Yeadon, Executive Director of Facilities Operations at Reed College. “The central plant upgrade will not only deliver additional cost savings but also enhance energy efficiency and infrastructure. It marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable campus energy management. These improvements reflect our dedication to creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible campus.”
A Decade of Partnership and Progress
The new initiative expands upon a relationship that began more than a decade ago, when Ameresco partnered with Reed College on a $5.4 million campus-wide energy efficiency project. That original engagement featured a range of improvements, including retrofits and replacements of mechanical systems, building controls, lighting, and plumbing fixtures throughout the college’s urban campus in southeast Portland.
The outcomes of that earlier project were substantial: the college experienced improved comfort and visibility, reduced its annual energy costs by more than $250,000, and cut 1,277 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The success of that initiative laid the groundwork for a deeper, more ambitious collaboration between the two institutions.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Reed College and support their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA and Canada Regions at Ameresco. “Our comprehensive energy solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of the college and enhance the learning environments on their campus. We see Reed as a model for how academic institutions can take meaningful, measurable steps toward a low-carbon future.”
Lighting the Way: Campus-Wide Energy Upgrades
While the boiler plant upgrade is the centerpiece of Ameresco’s current work at Reed College, the $1.8 million campus lighting project also plays a vital role in improving energy performance and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of modern, high-efficiency lighting systems, Reed aims to reduce electricity use, enhance lighting quality in classrooms, laboratories, and common spaces, and support a safer, more productive environment for all campus users.
Together, these investments represent a strategic approach to decarbonization—one that combines near-term infrastructure improvements with long-term sustainability planning.
Aligning with the College’s Mission
Founded in 1908, Reed College is widely recognized as one of the most intellectually rigorous liberal arts colleges in the United States. The institution emphasizes critical thinking, scholarly integrity, and deep inquiry, with an undergraduate curriculum that challenges students to engage in intensive research and independent thought.
Environmental responsibility is deeply embedded in Reed’s ethos. The college has long prioritized initiatives that reflect its core values of innovation, community responsibility, and academic excellence. Its collaboration with Ameresco is one of many efforts to ensure that its physical infrastructure reflects and reinforces these principles.
As part of its institutional master plan, Reed College is pursuing a path to full decarbonization—an ambitious goal that requires transformative thinking and bold action. By working with Ameresco to modernize its energy systems, the college is making measurable progress toward that vision.
A Trusted Partner in the Energy Transition
Ameresco, Inc., founded in 2000 and headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a globally recognized leader in delivering energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. With over 1,500 professionals across North America and Europe, the company has a strong track record of helping public and private sector clients meet their energy, sustainability, and resilience goals.
Ameresco’s comprehensive suite of services includes energy infrastructure upgrades, distributed energy generation, renewable energy development, and operations and maintenance. The firm’s expertise spans a wide range of markets, including education, healthcare, government, and industry—making it uniquely positioned to support the complex needs of institutions like Reed College.
As a trusted advisor and implementation partner, Ameresco takes a holistic approach to energy transformation—one that balances cost savings, carbon reduction, and long-term value.
