LaPorte courthouses going green

LAPORTE | The courthouse in LaPorte has been around long enough to go from using kerosene lamps for lighting to the latest in environmentally friendly technology, geothermal energy.

If the county doesn't get its investment back from lower utility bills, the contract with Amaresco, Inc. calls for a full refund.

"That's what they say," said Jerry Cooley, LaPorte County's head of maintenance.

Ameresco is a leading independent provider of comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America.

Work began Tuesday on replacing all of the electrical wiring at the courthouse built in 1892.

New heating and cooling systems at both courthouses are included in the job estimated at $6.9 million.

The work at the courthouse in Michigan City erected in 1909 will begin in about two weeks, Cooley said.

The LaPorte courthouse has radiator heat that relies on a boiler heating water through original pipes that also will be replaced, he said.

The system that will be put in uses the temperature of the ground and air to help with heating and cooling, reducing energy usage.

Another $2.1 million will go toward remodeling the second floor of the LaPorte courthouse to house LaPorte Superior Court 3 now in the basement of the county complex.

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LaPorte courthouses going green