TIPP CITY, Ohio /eNewsChannels/ — Superintendents at Bethel Local and Covington Exempted Village Schools announce that the districts will be implementing energy conservation projects to reduce energy usage and cost and to save taxpayer dollars. Energy Optimizers, USA has been working with both Miami County school districts to develop complete turn-key energy conservation solutions. To implement these projects without asking for any taxpayer money, Energy Optimizers, USA and the school districts are utilizing funding mechanisms through the Ohio School Facilities Commission’s House Bill 264 program.
Energy Savings for the Bethel Local School District:
Energy Optimizers, USA has designed the Bethel District project to include a building automation control system to utilize advanced energy conservation programs to control the heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Lighting upgrades will significantly reduce the electrical load and improve the energy efficiency and quality of light in the facility. Solar powered automatic restroom sinks and a solar thermal domestic hot water system will be installed, saving energy and water while serving as an educational tool for the students and community. New HVAC systems will be installed in the High School, Junior High, and 1969 Elementary wings. Superintendent Jeff Cassell explains that, “while the project cost is $633,290, it will reduce utility, operating and maintenance costs annually by at least $58,465.”
Energy Savings for the Covington Exempted Village School District:
A basic direct digital control system will be installed to control each of the District’s boiler systems. Numerous lighting upgrades will be made in each of the three buildings to improve the quality of lighting and reduce the electrical load and energy cost. Middle School urinal retrofits will significantly reduce the water and sewer usages. Steam trap retrofits will be made within the HVAC systems at the Middle School and High School, and exposed main steam pipe lines will be insulated to reduce energy loss.
The project cost is $136,100, and anticipated annual utility, operating and maintenance savings are estimated at a minimum of $42,832. The district will realize a net annual cash flow of $30,912 after making annual payments on the project, which will result in a 5.78 year payback including interest. Superintendent Randy Earl states that, “As an administrator, it is my responsibility to ensure that our district is a good steward of taxpayers’ money. I feel that the Covington School District is doing just that by implementing this exciting project.”
Energy Education Program:
Energy Optimizers, USA will work with both school districts to implement an energy education and training program, tied to the curriculum, for students and staff. Activities will include creating and implementing a district-wide energy conservation handbook incorporating suggested student and staff behaviors and expectations that directly affect energy usage, and having the school districts qualify for and become recognized by the Federal Energy Star Energy Efficient Buildings Program.
Greg Smith, President of Energy Optimizers, USA, stated, “We are extremely excited to be working with these Miami County Schools to not only save them a substantial amount of money, but also save the environment and provide their students with a unique educational opportunity and possibly springboard interested students into the field of energy efficiency and/or the renewable energy field. We will also be providing a graduating student from each district interested in the energy and/or engineering field with a $1,000 scholarship during the 2011-12 school year.”
About Energy Optimizers, USA:
Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs.
To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at or call them at (937) 877-1919.
Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.
