System Modernization Creates Cohesion for School District
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Construction phase generated more than $100,000 in initial energy savings, surpassing the first year's expected savings goal.
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Neshoba County Board of Supervisors approve second phase, construction to kick off for Neshoba County Library modernizations.
Neshoba County Schools has announced it has completed construction on a new modernization project with energy and sustainability expert Schneider Electric. The project is designed to modernize building lighting district-wide and connect all schools on one building automation system (BAS). The district-wide project has already realized more than $100,000 in energy savings during the construction phase of the project – surpassing the district’s expected savings for the first year of the project and putting it on pace to exceed its total energy savings goal.
The project unifies the district’s separate BAS platforms, under one system for its educational facilities, eliminating siloes in communication, enabling increased efficiency in their HVAC systems, and reducing waste of taxpayer dollars. The project modernizes the district’s existing facilities’ lighting and BAS to match the recently upgraded Neshoba Central High School, which opened in 2017. The partnership with Schneider Electric enables the district to finance the upgrades through an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) that eliminates the need for capital outlay and funds the improvements directly from the expected energy savings.
“Schneider Electric is one of the best construction companies we’ve ever worked with, from the seamless construction phase to helping us generate more savings than expected, on a faster timeline, that can quickly be reinvested back into our students, faculty and broader community,” said Dr. Lundy Brantley, superintendent of Neshoba County Schools. “We’re excited to unveil the improvements to our wider community and look forward to reaping the benefits for years to come”
The project is made possible by reinvesting energy savings to create a more comfortable and nurturing environment for students, faculty, and staff throughout the district. The lighting and automation upgrades are expected to continue to save the district more than $100,000 a year over 20 years.
“At Schneider Electric we believe energy should be used as a strategic lever, not looked at as a liability. Neshoba County Schools is the perfect example of a district making their energy infrastructure work smarter for them,” said Tammy Fulop, vice president, Schneider Electric. “Increasing efficiency through energy infrastructure modernization helps put the investment where it should be –enhancing efficiency and student comfort, not wasted energy use.”
The upgrades modernization facilities district-wide, including the Neshoba Central Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, the central administrative office, athletic facilities, and bus barn, encompassing more than 400,000 square feet. All lighting throughout these facilities has been upgraded to LEDs and all educational buildings are now on one building automation system, incorporating the existing platform at Neshoba Central High School, making all schools accessible from one comprehensive interface.
While this project wraps up, an exciting new modernization project has begun at the Neshoba County Library and the second phase of work has been approved by the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors. Updates will be made to the library to increase energy efficiency, while making a more comfortable spot for patrons. This project will save over $10,000 each year with construction beginning this Spring.
Over the past 28 years, Schneider Electric has successfully implemented more than 800 energy ESPC projects across the nation, saving its clients more than $2.6 billion. This project delivery method helps publicly funded entities make capital improvements over longer payback periods and offers many long-term benefits such as improved facility efficiency, occupant comfort, financial management, and environmental protection.