"At a time when there is increased pressure to do more with less resources, we are doing everything we can to save energy and reduce costs. This ENERGY STAR recognizes our ongoing efforts at Center Grove Elementary."

Dr. Paul Gabriel
Chief Financial Officer
Center Grove Community School Corp.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Center Grove Elementary, Indianapolis Indiana

• Awarded the ENERGY STAR in 2008
  
• 34% more energy efficient
  
• $125,253 savings in a 4-year period
  
• 475 metric tons of greenhouse gas eliminated
  

Challenge

The issues at Center Grove Elementary before renovation included indoor air quality, aged equipment, and wasted use of energy. Overheating and overcooling problems were aggravated with persistent high humidity and moisture. In an attempt to control humidity, air conditioning was run throughout the summer months, even when the building was unoccupied. Pneumatic controls were unable to properly control equipment. Existing air intake and relief design prevented enough fresh air to be introduced or exhausted from the building. Complaints of general discomfort from teachers and staff was commonplace. Adequate lighting was also a factor in a number of classrooms.

Solutions

A 2003 renovation provided dramatic improvement:

Room temperatures - installed a high efficiency boiler and air-cooled chiller, classroom unit ventilators and air handling units. Tracer digital controls designed to maintain temperature within one degree of set point.

Indoor air quality - CO₂ levels in every room are measured and maintained below 1000 PPM with classrooms fully occupied late in the school day and outside air dampers at a minimum position.

Air distribution - installed new air handling units to provide quality air distribution and air paths from rooms to corridors and out of building.

Illumination and noise control - installed efficient fluorescent lamps and ballasts, LED exit signs and new acoustical lay-in ceiling tiles throughout the school.

Fire alarm - installed an ADA compliant fire alarm system.

Result

Objectives were all accomplished, including improvements to the learning environment, maintenance operations, and significant energy savings. The 2008 ENERGY STAR rating is also reassurance and reward for the partner-based efforts working with Center Grove Community School Corporation and Center Grove Elementary School.