The program aims to improve operational efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact of 20 facilities across the county, and is expected to save the district more than $14 million in energy costs over 15 years.
Wilson County Schools selected Johnson Controls, the company involved in energy efficiency products and services, to manage the energy program as part of an energy performance contract.
Under the program, more than 700 heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will be installed in all buildings, and a geothermal heating system will be installed at Carroll-Oakland Elementary School, while rain sensor technology will be installed at the athletic fields of five schools to monitor irrigation needs.
The installation of an irrigation well as part of water conservation measures will supply water to Mount Juliet High School’s athletic fields, thereby reducing the school’s dependence on municipal water for field maintenance.
Centralized building management system that will provide facility managers with remote monitoring capabilities and the ability to adjust temperature systems via an Internet connection will be installed as part of infrastructure improvement under the program.
All 20 facilities will have more than 1,400 occupancy sensors and upgrades to more than 400 exterior lighting fixtures, as well as the comprehensive lighting retrofitting of four gymnasiums.
Mike Davis, Wilson County Director of Schools, said: “The facility improvements will create a more productive learning environment for students and staff using fiscal responsibility through performance contracting.”
The program is being funded through an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, with additional funding being provided by Build America Bonds, the Energy Efficient School Initiative, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Commercial Efficiency Advice and Incentives Program.
The project construction is expected be complete in October 2010, according to Johnson Controls.
