Mary Castle Elementary School, Indianapolis Indiana
- Awarded the ENERGY STAR in 2008
- $28,649 in energy savings in a two-year period
- 26% more energy efficient
- 255 metric tons of greenhouse gas eliminated
Challenge
When Lawrence Township Schools established the goal to provide an optimal learning environment for every student in the district, Mary Castle Elementary School was identified as the most troubled building in need of priority attention. Built in the 1960's, the school underwent a HVAC renovation in 1995, yet in 2000 was already experiencing a high number of comfort complaints due to inefficient equipment and an ineffective temperature control system. Teachers and administration complained that the rooms were either too hot or too cold and reported as stuffy, noisy and drafty. Energy efficiency was a distant concern due to the obvious discomfort in the classrooms.
Solution
A 2004 renovation implemented important solutions. Soon after the building was commissioned, Dr. Ed Williams, Assistant Superintendent remarked, "Our teachers were overwhelmed and even had to check if the equipment was running, it was that quiet . . . and yet the comfort was very evident in the room. We had good air filtration, we had good air movement, and it was evenly distributed throughout the room."
Room temperatures - installed new high efficiency, condensing boiler and vertical air handling units. A web-based automated logic digital controls system maintains temperature within one degree of set point.
Indoor air quality - installed CO2 sensors in large gathering areas to optimize the introduction of outside air and ensure 15 CFM of outside air is introduced per occupant.
Air distribution - installed new vertical air handling units to provide quality air distribution through a ceiling ducted ventilation system.
HVAC sound levels - the old classroom ventilators had high sound levels exceeding 55dB which impeded instruction and learning. The new vertical units have background noise levels measured below 45 dB in each classroom. In addition, the noise levels of the gym were greatly reduced.
Humidity levels - the old units could not control humidity. The new vertical classroom system keeps humidity levels below 65 percent.
Air filtration - installed units have 2" filters for greater air filtration.
Windows/Doors - under the renovation project, new dual pane windows and insulated outside doors were installed improving energy efficiency and overall building comfort.
Results
Once the most troubled building in the district, Mary Castle's dramatic change now sets the example with the school's great learning environment and ENERGY STAR rating.
