Associated will save more than $100,000 annually in energy costs
GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Associated Bank found an innovative way to put the chill on its energy
usage after it converted its two Wisconsin data centers from air-cooled
systems to glycol "free cooling" systems. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's
statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, in
partnership with Wisconsin Public Service, awarded Associated Bank$116,000 to help get the projects completed.
The new systems allow the Green Bay and Stevens Point, Wis. data centers
free cooling options during the winter months. During the summer months,
an electric compressor runs to help cool the glycol to keep the data
centers cool. In the winter, the glycol stays cool on its own and the
compressor doesn't need to run as hard, if at all.
Compared to using a standard piece of equipment where a compressor would
need to run continuously, Associated Bank is able to save more than 1.4
million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually--enough energy to power
150 Wisconsin homes for a year. The data centers will also benefit from
an estimated $115,000 savings on its energy bills each year. Garry
Dietrich, senior vice president and director of internal services at
Associated Bank commented, "We anticipate the payback periods will be in
less than three years at our Green Bay location, and slightly over three
years at our Stevens Point service center."
As the data centers volume grew, Associated Bank arrived at a point
where it needed to add another cooling system to make sure its IT
hardware wouldn't overheat. The additional cooling system would increase
the company's electrical consumption and cost more to power. By adding
the glycol systems, the data centers now only cool when needed, which
not only saves on cooling costs but also allowed Associated Bank to
reduce the size of the fans and motors needed to move the air at its
Green Bay and Stevens Point data centers.
"Not only do these upgrades save energy and money, but they're also
environmentally friendly. It is a great combination," commented
Associated's Chief Information Officer Mark Quinlan. The annual
environmental benefits are equivalent to offsetting 2,920 barrels of oil
from being burned - eliminating more than 2.5 million pounds of carbon
dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere.
"Associated Bank is a great example of a company that is going out of
its way to find innovative solutions to save money," said Ken Williams,
Focus on Energy's business programs director. "Focus offers a variety of
'Green IT' resources to help businesses save money including
comprehensive approaches that combine energy-efficient equipment, smart
energy management software, enhanced system design, and cost-effective
cooling systems within the equipment and the facilities in which they're
located."
Focus on Energy can help businesses and residents across the state
identify and evaluate energy-saving opportunities, provide specific
recommendations, develop an energy management plan and, arrange
technical training opportunities about energy conservation. For more
information, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com/greenit.
About Associated Bank
Associated Bank is part of Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC), a
diversified bank holding company with total assets of $23 billion.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated has 291 banking
offices serving approximately 160 communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota,
and Illinois. Associated offers a full range of traditional banking
services and a variety of other financial products and services. More
information about Associated Bank is available at AssociatedBank.com.
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses
to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy
projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to
implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete
projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and
businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic
development, protect our environment and control the state's growing
demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call (800)
762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
Source: Associated Banc-Corp
Contact: Associated Bank: Janet Ford
SVP, Public Relations Director
414-278-1890
janet.ford@associatedbank.com
or
Focus on Energy: Mark Treichel
Hoffman York
414-225-9554
mtreichel@hyc.com