Avon Community Schools
- Awarded the ENERGY STAR in 2011
- 29% more energy efficient
- 23,485 metric tons of greenhouse gas eliminated
Challenge
Avon Community School Corporation was experiencing learning environment and energy waste issues. Problems were identified in several buildings related to overheating and overcooling. Energy issues included obsolete pneumatic controls and inefficient boilers that wasted gas by heating pool air and water during summer months. Old lighting in the gym, cafeteria and classrooms wasted electricity too. A guaranteed energy savings project with Performance Services was approved by the school board to address energy and learning environment needs.
Goals
Reduce energy costs, replace failing equipment, and make schools easier to operate while maintaining an optimal learning environment.
Solutions
Temperature - Air conditioning increased cooling to areas that overheated through separate A/C units and increased air flow of existing fan systems. A high efficiency boiler plan and efficient roter chiller was installed at Avon Intermediate. A Tracer digital control system was installed on HVAC system. Building pressurization was addressed by installing relief fans with variable speed drives to increase ventilation and balance static pressure.
Fresh Air Ventilation - Air quality measured to ensure levels are below 1000 ppm with outside dampers at the minimum position. Humidity levels measured and controlled below 65 percent RH in the summer months.
Illumination - Upgraded high-bay lighting to brighter, more efficient lighting and connected lighting to digital control system.
Operational Savings Projected - $283,104 per year.
Result
$2,744,871 actual energy savings over a nine year period from 2000 to 2010 and four Avon Community Schools have achieved ENERGY STAR certification, including:
Maple Elementary, Pine Tree Elementary, Sycamore Elementary, and White Oak Elementary Schools.
