From Rising Energy Costs to Smart Savings
Hamilton Southeastern Schools is one of Indiana’s largest districts, serving approximately 21,500 students across 22 buildings. In 2008, the district faced escalating energy costs. Aging and ineffective building controls led to temperature fluctuations and uneven air distribution in classrooms, impacting both comfort and operational expenses.
In 2009, the district proactively sought solutions to enhance its learning environments and reduce energy expenditures. They embarked on a Guaranteed Energy Savings project that led to six additional phases, focusing on cost-effective capital improvements aimed at maximizing energy efficiency. The initiatives not only addressed immediate concerns but also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
To further its impact, the district implemented an Energy Leadership Program, a behavioral-based energy conservation initiative. This program engaged staff and students in energy-saving practices, fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the district.
Strategic Improvements Implemented:
- Upgrading HVAC Systems: Transitioned from constant volume reheat systems to variable air volume (VAV) systems, optimizing airflow and reducing energy consumption.
- Advanced Controls Installation: Replaced obsolete pneumatic controls with new digital building automation systems, integrated into the district’s web-based platform for enhanced monitoring and management.
- Lighting Enhancements: Retrofitted inefficient lighting systems with energy-efficient lamps and electronic ballasts, improving illumination quality while lowering energy use.
- Boiler Efficiency: Installed high-efficiency condensing boilers to ensure reliable heating.
- Air Quality Monitoring: Implemented CO2 sensors on air handling units to maintain optimal indoor air quality, ensuring levels remain below 1000 PPM.
- Energy Leadership Program: A behavioral-based energy conservation program designed to engage building occupants in energy efficiency initiatives.
These Measures Yielded Substantial Benefits:
- Financial Savings: Achieved actual annual energy savings of $2 million, with the project paying for itself in just five years, ahead of the anticipated ten-year term.
- Energy Consumption Reduction: Accomplished a 16.7% decrease in utility consumption, reflecting HSE’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Recognition for Excellence: Six district buildings earned the ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance, placing them in the top 25% of buildings nationwide.
