Schools projected to save $6 million in energy costs

KINGSPORT – Kingsport City Schools is projected to save $6 million in energy costs (before inflation) during the next 15 years as part of an initiative to improve energy efficiency across the district.

 

The school system has applied for and received a 0.75% interest rate loan for $5M in facility upgrade projects as part of Tennessee's Energy Efficient Schools Initiative. The initiative encourages schools to identify and evaluate energy-saving opportunities, then develop a package of improvements to be paid for through savings.

 

In 2009, Kingsport City Schools began working with Energy Systems Group to identify areas to improve the system's energy efficiency.  More than $5M in energy improvements will be implemented including:

 

• Replacement of D-B's aging classroom HVAC equipment
• Significant renovations at Palmer Center
• Installation of energy efficient lighting system-wide
• Installation of water conservation improvements system-wide
• Installation of energy management controls system-wide

 

The project is projected to save Kingsport City Schools almost $6M over the course of the next 15 years, in utility and operational costs.  The resulting project savings will be equal to or exceed annual payments made by the school system. If the savings don't materialize, Energy Systems Group will pay the school system for any shortfalls on an annual basis.

 

The city of Kingsport has already entered a similar contract with Energy Systems Group and is in Phase 2 of its initiative to reduce energy usage and save money long term.  Installation of the school system improvements will begin in January, with the larger projects to be completed in the summer of 2011.

 

The implementation of this project is part of a long-term goal to reduce energy usage and operating expenses in the school system.  Last year, Kingsport City Schools was recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education as one of the top 10 most energy efficient school systems in the state, reducing energy costs more than 20% between 2003 and 2008. This project will add significant savings to that achievement and further establish the school system as one of the most efficient in the state. 

 

The environmental impact of this project will reduce carbon emissions by 3642 tons per year which is the equivalent of removing 632 cars from the road each year or the annual electricity to power over 400 homes.

 

For more information, contact the Kingsport City Schools Office of Community Relations at (423) 378-2123.

-KCS-

 

 

 

 

Amy Greear

Director of Communications

Kingsport City Schools

1701 E. Center Street, Kingsport TN 37664

(423) 378-2123 w.

(423) 914-9500 c.

agreear@k12k.com