Funded by Savings: A Smarter Path to School Improvements
For years, Livingston County Schools had faced a familiar challenge: aging infrastructure, limited funding, and a growing list of facility needs that couldn’t be addressed solely through traditional capital budgets. Major upgrades, such as HVAC replacements, building controls integration, and lighting improvements, remained out of reach.
To solve the problem, district leaders turned to performance contracting, a delivery method that leverages guaranteed energy and operational savings to fund critical improvements and stretch restricted capital funds. Through a strategic partnership with Performance Services, the district planned and executed a high-impact project that aligned with the most urgent priorities within its financial reach.
A Trusted Partner and a Clear Set of Priorities
With a focus on comfort, reliability, and efficiency, district leaders partnered with Performance Services to develop a plan that aligned with top priorities and long-term goals. At the heart of the project was the need to replace the aging two-pipe HVAC system at the high school—an outdated system that no longer provided consistent performance or comfort.
The team worked collaboratively to prioritize improvements that would deliver the greatest impact, including transitioning to a four-pipe HVAC system, upgrading lighting and water systems, and fully integrating building controls into a single user-friendly interface.
Project Highlights: High-Impact Improvements Across the District
- New interior and exterior LED lighting for improved visibility and energy savings
- Water conservation upgrades to reduce consumption and utility costs
- Building envelope weatherization to enhance comfort and building performance
- HVAC system replacement and rehabilitation, including the new four-pipe system at the high school which has improved comfort
- Campus-wide controls upgrade with a unified interface for easier management
- Building optimization efforts to ensure every system performs as efficiently as possible
Guaranteed Results That Make a Difference
The project is backed by $152,659 in total annual guaranteed savings, including:
- $100,516 in energy savings
- $9,066 in water/sewer savings
- $43,077 in operational savings
The savings from this project has allowed Livingston County Schools to reinvest in what matters most: students, staff, and learning environments.
