La Vernia Improves Learning Environment with Zero Upfront Cost
$6.6 million
Contract
$4 million
Positive Cashflow over 20 years
$12 million
20-Year Guaranteed Savings
Project Description
La Vernia ISD is a 4A public school district located in the heart of La Vernia, Texas, serving more than 3,300 students across four campuses, including a primary, intermediate, junior high, and high school. Situated approximately 15 miles to the east of the San Antonio metropolitan area, the district’s boundaries cover 99 square miles across Wilson and Guadalupe Counties. The mission of La Vernia ISD is to collaboratively educate and inspire all students to be life-long learners with unlimited possibilities as contributing members of society.
In 2020 the district faced significant infrastructure challenges consisting of more than $30 million in deferred maintenance and $100 million in needed facility upgrades and expansion. The extensive deferred maintenance needs varied widely, such as air conditioning beyond its useful life, antiquated and inadequate lighting, leaking roofs, and foundation issues.
Partnering with Performance Services, the District sought a guaranteed energy savings contract to improve campus facilities in coordination with the district's master plan. The district recognized a need to address aging and inefficient systems and to provide a more optimal learning environment for students. In an effort to reduce energy costs, Performance Services implemented a district-wide program to replace more than 900 tons of HVAC, a district-wide LED lighting upgrade, installation of new building automation systems, and other critical items. Additionally, utility cost reductions (electricity, water, and gas) and other savings are completely paying for the project, so the district did not have to pass a bond or raise taxes.
The project is expected to be complete in February 2022.
Project Highlights
- Replace interior lighting with LED lighting to dramatically improve the quality of lighting and reduce energy costs
- Install 900 tons of HVAC equipment
- Replace HVAC systems using obsolete R22 refrigerant
- Upgrade and integrate building automation controls
- Roof flashing work at the high school
- Improve power conditioning of the electrical system
- Water conservation across the district
- Add pressure reducing valves to the domestic water systems
- Foundation stabilization
business development manager
Resource
The Financial Benefits of Energy Savings Performance Contracts
Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) are an excellent way to procure facility modernization improvements. ESPCs also offer financial benefits over traditional payment methods like bonds or cash.
Resource
How to Complete an Energy Savings Performance Contract in Texas
Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) are a procurement option that allows public entities to finance facility improvements with savings from future operations and maintenance budgets over terms of up to 20 years.
