The combination of efficiency and renewables is driving big savings at Massachusetts’ Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District. A performance contract signed with HVAC manufacturer Trane Inc. is expected to slash the districts annual energy spending by 62 percent, or $564,000 each year.
Trane is far more than just a leading manufacturer of HVAC equipment, they also offers cost saving projects and renewable energy efficiency solutions. They helped to design and install the district’s 1.2-megawatt solar photo-voltaic system including five carport canopies ranging in size from 117 kW to 639 kW. This system now generates around 75 percent of the energy used by the district.
“Local officials and K-12 administrators appreciate our ability to combine energy conservation measures in their facilities, with a customized scope of renewable energy systems all through one cohesive agreement” said Leo F. McNeil, regional director of comprehensive solutions at Trane. “It makes sense to begin by reducing the amount of energy consumed in facilities, and then determine the appropriate amount of power to be generated on-site through renewables. In this way, we can maximize operational and economic benefits for our clients.”
In addition to high efficiency roofs and windows, the $19 million improvements made to the Dighton-Rehoboth district’s schools include high-efficiency boilers and a smart automated HVAC system with energy management capabilities. Smart monitoring applications track real-time energy savings. The Solar-Log system generates cumulative power consumption data which provides energy management data and serves as an educational tool.
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Comprehensive Green School Information and Resources 2010 – 2018
