Energy Savings Made Easy

Energy Savings

Scottsboro City Schools saw great energy savings when they used Schneider Electric systems in facility upgrades across the district.

Many schools around the country are deteriorating and faced with unprecedented budgetary pressures and a long list of deferred capital improvements. The Scottsboro school district in Alabama was no exception, with a student population of 2,700, the city operates four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, as well as an adult learning center for those seeking a GED (general education diploma) or career training.

By 2012, many of the facilities were in need of major renovations. The forward-thinking school district opted for a performance contract from Schneider Electric to fund major renovations.

After an audit of all facilities, Schneider Electric implemented new systems for building automation, lighting, mechanical equipment, water commissioning, information technology and renewable energy, among other upgrades. This project provided Scottsboro City Schools with an effective way to fund long-needed, critical and comprehensive HVAC renovations that the district had no other way of funding.

Benefits of this project include reduced energy consumption and costs, as well as increased energy and water efficiency. The school system now has one single contact for service and support which was important to them as well as low-interest funding sources which guarantees savings.

www.schneider-electric.com

This article originally appeared in the School Planning & Management December 2013 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Splendora Independent School District (SISD) in Splendora, Texas, recently broke ground on a replacement facility for Greenleaf Elementary School, according to a news release. The district partnered with planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) for the project.

  • All Surfaces Hires New Commercial Business Development Specification Manager

    Flooring solutions provider All Surfaces recently announced that it has hired industry veteran Mechelle Bliss as its new Commercial Business Development Specification Manager, according to a news release. In her new role, she’ll be responsible for expanding the organization’s hold in various commercial markets, as well as strengthening relationships with existing clients.

  • MiEN Releases White Paper on Community College Space Innovation

    MiEN Company recently released a new white paper called “Designing New Innovative Spaces for Community Colleges” to address the needs of community colleges post-pandemic, according to a news release. The eight-page guide by Dr. Christina Counts, MiEN Company VP of Education and Marketing, covers topics like the enrollment drop that these schools have seen since COVID-19, the roles they play in higher education and local workforces, and five suggested key changes that can improve students’ experiences.

  • Boosting Student Wellness and Safety Through Indoor-Outdoor School Spaces

    Engaging students through facilities designed for indoor and outdoor learning and activities reflects a growing awareness of how children learn and thrive, with educators recognizing the importance of getting outside and disconnecting from technology. And, as today’s youth grapple with the urgent mental health crisis of increased anxiety and loneliness fueled by both the pandemic and technology, along with a related crisis in youth physical health, the wellness benefits of getting outside have never been so palpable.