10/12/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2023 07:02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 12, 2023
Media Contact: Katie Lundy
[email protected]
614-353-6476
OAQDA Closes on $1.6 Million for DLZ Corporation Office Building Renovation in Worthington
Project includes the installation of a solar photovoltaic system, an upgraded HVAC system and upgrades to LED lighting
COLUMBUS- The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) recently closed on bond financing for $1.6 million to support an air quality project for DLZ Corporation through its signature program, the Clean Air Improvement Program(CAIP). The project will reduce energy usage at DLZ's corporate headquarters in Worthington by nearly 20 percent through more efficient technologies. Solar panels will generate clean energy, which will be used to operate an on-site green hydrogen fueling station for a new fleet of hydrogen-powered company vehicles.
"OAQDA is pleased to provide financing to support energy-efficient renovations to this Worthington office building, aligning with the corporate sustainability priorities of DLZ Corporation," said Christina O'Keeffe, executive director of OAQDA. "These renovations not only save operational costs through use of clean energy, but they also have a significant economic benefit by supporting local jobs."
DLZ Corporation(Worthington, Franklin County) will utilize the $1.6 million to support remodeling their headquarters office building at 6121 Huntley Rd in Worthington. DLZ is ranked by Engineering News Record as the 11th-largest architecture, design and surveying firm in the Midwest. It is a family-owned, minority business with over 900 employees in 29 offices in the United States and additional offices in India and Costa Rica. The renovations to DLZ's headquarters will include installing a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, an upgraded, more-efficient HVAC system, a building automation system, and an upgraded LED lighting system. The Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority is providing Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for the project. These improvements will result in an annual reduction of 627,662 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through the 19.5% combined energy savings from the project.
"We appreciate the financial support received from OAQDA that not only makes these renovations affordable but also allows our headquarters to become more energy efficient," said DLZ's Director of Renewable Energy Services Bruce Bauchmire. "Being involved in establishing clean energy projects worldwide, we can honestly say that OAQDA's CAIP program is beneficial to the businesses and residents of Ohio. DLZ believes innovative and sustainable business is important in building a healthy, thriving society. This funding aligns with DLZ's commitment to sustainability and being an environmentally friendly firm."
OAQDA is committed to serving the economic and environmental needs of Ohio businesses and communities as they strive to reduce air emissions while supporting the state's economic growth. OAQDA's CAIP program provides financial tools through bond financing, allowing companies to make investments in cleaner, more efficient technologies such as pollution control, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
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The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA)is a non-regulatory government agency working to position Ohio as a leader in harmonizing a strong economy and a healthy environment. Since its creation in 1970, OAQDA has worked to improve air quality by supporting businesses, creating jobs and improving communities while enhancing the health and safety of all Ohioans. To date, OAQDA has awarded more than $6 billion to finance air quality projects. For more information about OAQDA and its services, please visit ohioairquality.org.