"Along with the responsible usage by school staff, the improvements kept Meridian's utility bills from increasing even with the new introduction of air conditioning. It's gratifying to receive national recognition for efficiently operating our school."
Director of Building and Grounds
Clay Community Schools
Brazil, Indiana
Meridian Elementary, Brazil Indiana
An unexpected surprise greets first-time visitors at Meridian Elementary School. A tall giraffe is prominently displayed on the front lawn, serving as the school's mascot. Seemingly out of place at first glance, this giraffe has a story and was fondly named "Stretch" by the students and staff, signifying its unique qualities as well as representing Meridian Elementary's aspirations.
- Awarded the ENERGY STAR in 2008
- 34% more energy efficient
- 175 metric tons of annual greenhouse gas eliminated
- Optimal learning environment standards achieved
Challenge
Old and inefficient equipment resulted in comfort complaints, marginal air quality, and wasted maintenance labor. Clay Community Schools examined the problem and decided to proactively address both the learning environment and operating costs with a guaranteed savings contract.
Solutions
Room temperatures - installed a new chiller and boiler plant and new 4-pipe unit ventilators with digital controls in classrooms. A web-based digital controls system with graphical workstation maintains temperatures within one degree of set point.
Indoor air quality - installed CO2 sensors in large gathering areas and hallways to minimize the introduction of unneeded outside air and monitor CO2 levels. Also ensure that 15 CFM of fresh air per occupant is introduced.
Air distribution - installed new vertical air handling units to provide quality air distribution.
Humidity levels - installed humidity sensors in strategic locations for dehumidification sequences.
Lighting - installed new classroom and hallway high efficiency lighting.
Windows and Doors - installed new dual pane windows and insulated outside doors throughout the building to optimize energy savings and thermal comfort.
Result
The EPA and Energy Star requires four standards of excellence when considering a building for the ENERGY STAR label. Meridian Elementary of Clay Community Schools not only saved ongoing operating costs but achieved all four criteria, including: energy performance, thermal comfort, indoor air quality and optimal illumination. Meridian and Clay Community Schools now enjoys the daily benefits of the "stretch" that was needed to meet their goal.
