Indian River Central School District: Indian River Middle School
Solution Overview
Indian River Central School District (IRCSD) has selected Indian River Middle School, the only school lacking direct digital controls (DDC), to undergo an energy efficiency retrofit to maximize energy and cost savings. The project, which is slated to start in spring 2015, is expected to result in an energy savings of 33% and cost savings of $155,000 annually.
Background
Indian River Central School District (IRCSD) has selected Indian River Middle School, the only school lacking direct digital controls (DDC), to undergo an energy efficiency retrofit to maximize energy and cost savings. The project, which is slated to start in spring 2015, is expected to result in an energy savings of 33% and cost savings of $155,000 annually.
The middle school serves approximately 900 students and 150 staff in grades six through eight and is one of eight schools in the district. The public school building follows a normal September to June school calendar and is unoccupied during the months of July and August with the exception of the District Office and the pool which are open throughout the summer. Due to unique seasonal operations and maintenance schedules, the facility is able to shed over 80% of its average annual energy consumption during the summer months.
Solutions
Due to school configurations and classroom layouts, many of the district’s schools face significant exterior wall exposure and heat loss. As a result, IRSD has been proactive with DDC conversion in order to upgrade building controls, insulation and refrigeration equipment.
The district conducted an energy efficiency audit of the school and outlined a number of measures to be implemented including:
- Replacement of all pneumatic controls with DDC controls
- Replacement of 1990 vintage window walls with energy efficient units
- Increased insulation of ceiling space in the new one story portions of the building
- Replacement of select exterior doors
- Replacement of walk-in freezer and cooler in cafeteria
- Renovation of classroom and office space
Other Benefits
In addition to its commitment to energy efficiency, IRCSD is maximizing the use of alternative energy sources where possible.
The school is also committed to communicating energy efficiency across the student body. Students learn about climate change and the role of energy efficiency in the Earth Science and Living Environment classes while students in the Social Studies classes learn about the politics of climate change. At the High School, the Science Department offers two electives on renewable energy. These classes take advantage of the many initiatives the district has undertaken by incorporating them as examples within the curriculum.
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