Schneider Electric, School District Partner for Modernization Project

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/18/21

Energy and sustainability solutions company Schneider Electric announced this week that it is partnering with Gulf Shores City Schools in Gulf Shores, Ala., on a system-wide modernization project. The project’s goals are to boost district sustainability and energy efficiency, increase student engagement, and boost opportunities for STEM education. The program is slated to reduce the district’s energy consumption by 33 percent across the next 20 years for a projected savings of about $6.4 million.

“Providing a safe, healthy and enjoyable indoor and outdoor learning environment for our students and teachers is among our top priorities,” said Dr. Matt Akin, Gulf Shores City Schools Superintendent. “We’re thrilled to partner with Schneider Electric to not only make much-needed upgrades to our buildings, but also to do it in an innovative way that boosts critically important STEM learning while saving us money for future improvements.”

According to a press release, improvements to district facilities include:

  • New HVAC systems
  • New, more sustainable water systems to reduce energy & water consumption
  • Roof replacement at the district’s high school
  • A new centralized building automation system at each school in the district
  • Interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades
  • Solar skylights to increase daylighting
  • A Voiceover IP (VoIP) phone system to decrease emergency response times

The project also includes the construction of interactive learning areas in all three of the district’s schools. These include a renewable energy generation area with interactive dashboards displaying real-time data about energy production and usage; a system of SmartFlower solar arrays; the installation of solar-powered trees; other solar-powered technology like solar benches and charging stations; and a variety of teaching exhibits.

The modernization work will be paid for in part by federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan.

“We are proud to partner with Gulf Shores City Schools on innovative solutions that provide a health, safe and sustainable learning environment,” said Tammy Fulop, Vice President of Schneider Electric. “As districts struggle to do more with less, we are excited to help GSCS become a leading example of how to address top priorities and create a state-of-the-art campus while saving money for future upgrades.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • Inglewood Unified School District Breaks Ground on New High School

    The Inglewood Unified School District in Inglewood, Calif., recently broke ground on a new campus for Inglewood High School, according to a news release. The project has a budget of about $240 million, funding coming through bond proceeds from Measure I.

  • Lawrence Group Announces Expansion of Student Housing Studio

    Integrated planning and design firm Lawrence Group recently announced that it has hired Nick Naeger, AIA, as the new Associate Principal / Senior Project Manager at its headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., according to a news release.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.