State Program Helps Golf Courses Save Money On Hvac & Lighting Upgrades

Pictured: Rockaway River Country Club has participated in NJCEP program

New Jersey golf course buildings, including clubhouses, pro shops, maintenance buildings, locker rooms, etc., are among the types of edifices that can replace their old lighting, heating and air conditioning with new, energy-efficient equipment at up to a 70-percent discount.

Building owners/tenants have through June to take part in New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) to take advantage of the state-funded energy solutions program, Direct Install.

The Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, a member of the New Jersey State Golf Association, is one of more than 2,500 businesses and local governments throughout the state that has participated in Direct Install. Clients include schools, municipal buildings, churches and local businesses. By participating in the program, clients dramatically reduce utility bills allowing program participants to recoup their investment within the first few years.

In Rockaway River’s case, more than $87,000 was spent on energy efficient lighting retrofits, energy-saving motion sensors, high efficiency heating and air conditioning upgrades and integration of cost-effective of HVAC controls. Direct Install incentives paid to Rockway River totaled $50,000, bringing the cost of the project down to $37,000.

At an energy savings of nearly $13,000 per year, the project will have paid for itself in just three years.

Other country clubs, such as Crestmont C.C. in West Orange, are using state-provided incentives to help cover the difference between standard lighting and high-efficiency LED lighting.

“We’re trying to get the word out to as many clubs as possible,” said Jesse Fallick, the director of energy efficient programs at Donnelly Energy Solutions in Wayne, one of six participating contractors around the state. Donnelly Energy Solutions is a subsidiary of Donnelly Construction, a long-time sponsor of the NJSGA, including the Player of the Year award.

“There is a lot of old equipment out there that is in need of replacement, and it’s a great opportunity to have it done now at a cost of 30 cents on the dollar,” Fallick said. “Everyone is looking for an investment and this one is paid back in two-to-three years.”

Direct Install is a turnkey system, which is easy and hassle-free. Prospective participants receive a free energy assessment to evaluate which equipment upgrades would most benefit the property.

The goal of the program is to expand the awareness and importance of energy efficiency. Interested parties may email DirectInstall@NJCleanenergy.com or call Jesse Fallick at 973-908-8693.