Driven by Sustainability: Donnelly Energy Helps Sawyer Lyons Complete Its Energy Efficiency Transformation

WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Donnelly Energy and Sawyer Lyons Buick GMC are proud to announce the completion of their comprehensive energy efficiency partnership with the kick-off of the Randolph dealership's solar array. Now live, the rooftop solar energy system marks the end of a year-long comprehensive sustainability project at the Randolph dealership that included energy-efficiency upgrades to their lighting and HVAC systems through Direct Install from SAVEGREEN® by New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG). Direct Install provides a turnkey and affordable solution for NJNG customers to reduce energy costs by replacing outdated equipment and systems with energy-efficient alternatives.

Sawyer Lyons had sustainability in their mind, having already invested in energy-efficient LED lighting in a few key areas on their own. Through their membership with NJCAR, partners at Sawyer Lyons learned about Donnelly Energy and consulted with the Wayne-based energy efficiency firm on ways they could further improve their facility in their efforts to become environmental stewards.

Donnelly Energy conducted a free, non-invasive assessment of the dealership, determining additional areas of improvement regarding their lighting, and found they also had outdated natural gas-powered boilers that were over 25 years old. They also surveyed Sawyer Lyons's rooftop to scope out a custom solar energy system to further elevate their energy efficiency.

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"It is always a pleasure to work with a client who is motivated and ready to invest in solar energy, while also taking into account the need for energy efficiency," said Justin Avallone, VP of Utility Programs at Donnelly Energy. "Sawyer Lyons was ready to take advantage of local energy efficiency programs and is a big advocate for clean energy in commercial uses. Collaborations like these are what make our work so fulfilling."

The first phase of the energy-efficiency transformation focused on replacing one 1.7 million BTU boiler with two new units at 97% efficiency, as well as upgrading lighting to LED for some missing areas. As a participating contractor in Direct Install, Donnelly Energy helped Sawyer Lyons navigate the program and receive a 0%* APR on-bill repayment option through SAVEGREEN to help make the energy-efficiency upgrades affordable.

Once the lighting and HVAC portion of the project was complete, Donnelly Energy got to work on the second phase of Sawyer Lyons's clean energy investment: solar. The firm designed a custom 163 KW solar energy system that would fit on the dealership's rooftop, consisting of 937 panels. The project would also be eligible to receive federal tax credits, depreciation credits, and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECS)**.

Now that the solar energy system is live, it is expected to reduce Sawyer Lyons's electricity by 88%.

Sawyer Lyons Buick GMC of Randolph has a proven track record in areas such as energy reduction, renewable energy use, water conservation efforts, recycling, onsite nature habitats, and community outreach. The progressive car dealership is showing customers its environmental credentials and was named a 2022 certified Green Dealer, an honor given to only 280 GM dealerships nationwide.

"Our dealership's sustainability performance is important to customers, employees, and the community, as well as operational efficiency," said Todd Sawyer, Partner at Sawyer Lyons. "When doing large energy efficiency upgrade projects, it is extremely important to work with a company that is an established expert. I analyzed every number down to the penny and every project we undertook with Donnelly made sense financially. Coming from the construction industry prior to owning car dealerships, I can tell you that Donnelly Energy is as good as it gets. From the original analysis to contracts, to project management, to completion, the team at Donnelly was on top of their game throughout the entire process."

New Jersey's clean energy future is well on its way, with businesses like Sawyer Lyons Buick GMC leading the way to implement and advocate sustainability in commercial spaces. Donnelly Energy is proud to be a partner in the effort to help the Garden State lower its energy usage and carbon emissions, as well as invest in renewables.

To start your journey into commercial energy efficiency and sustainability, contact Donnelly Energy directly at 973-323-8008 or visit www.donnellyenergy.com. To learn more about NJNG's Direct Install program or to participate, visit https://savegreenproject.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. Visit savegreenproject.com for terms, and conditions and eligibility requirements.

**The tax credit information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for expert advice from a professional tax/financial planner or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For tax advice, please contact your tax advisor or the IRS at www.IRS.gov.

ABOUT DONNELLY ENERGY:

Donnelly Energy is a premier energy efficiency firm dedicated to helping New Jersey businesses and local government entities "go green" and save green. With exceptional Direct Install turn-key services and utility resources, Donnelly's mission is to offer the best and most cost-efficient upgrades that help commercial facilities in the Garden State reduce their carbon footprint and overall energy costs.

ABOUT NJNG:

New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) is a Fortune 1000 company that, through its subsidiaries, provides safe and reliable natural gas and clean energy services, including transportation, distribution, asset management and home services. NJR is composed of five primary businesses:

• New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR's principal subsidiary, operates and maintains over 7,700 miles of natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure to serve over 570,000 customers in New Jersey's Monmouth, Ocean and parts of Morris, Middlesex, Sussex and Burlington counties.
• Clean Energy Ventures invests in, owns and operates solar projects with a total capacity of approximately 440 megawatts, providing residential and commercial customers with low-carbon solutions.
• Energy Services manages a diversified portfolio of natural gas transportation and storage assets and provides physical natural gas services and customized energy solutions to its customers across North America.
• Storage and Transportation serves customers from local distributors and producers to electric generators and wholesale marketers through its ownership of Leaf River and the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline, as well as our 50% equity ownership in the Steckman Ridge natural gas storage facility.
• Home Services provides service contracts as well as heating, central air conditioning, water heaters, standby generators, solar and other indoor and outdoor comfort products to residential homes throughout New Jersey.

NJR and its over 1,300 employees are committed to helping customers save energy and money by promoting conservation and encouraging efficiency through Conserve to Preserve® and initiatives such as The SAVEGREEN Project® and The Sunlight Advantage®.

ABOUT SAWYER LYONS BUICK GMC:

People do business with people they like and people they trust. That is the core value on which Sawyer Lyons Buick GMC of Randolph was founded. On June 28, 2018, Todd Sawyer and Sean Lyons partnered with Jim Salerno to take Jim's core value of fair, honest, and respectful dealings with each and every customer to the next level. By modernizing processes and streamlining operations, we will continue to improve customer service, while also providing the best pricing in the market. We are confident we can deliver on this promise. Our goal is to WOW every single customer who walks in the door, calls us on the phone, emails us, contacts us through the website, or reaches out to us on social media. At Sawyer Lyons Buick GMC of Randolph, it's our goal to provide service so exceptional that we are the first choice when someone wants to buy a Buick, GMC, or preowned vehicle of any kind. Our fairness, attention to detail, and clear communication will keep customers coming back to us AND referring us to others. We don't strive for good – We are always doing everything in our power to be GREAT.

SOURCE Donnelly Energy