Guaranteed Energy Savings Fund Upgrades for Saskatoon Schools
Cuts in operating costs and repairs pay for major energy improvements in Canadian school district
With an aging infrastructure and winter temperatures that reach -40°F, the Saskatoon (Saskatchewan) Public School District was facing super-sized utility bills and annual repair costs. They turned to Johnson Controls, a long-time energy efficiency partner, for nearly $10 million in facility improvements to 48 of their schools. The good news is the district could take advantage of energy savings performance contracting, allowing the investment to be funded through the project’s expected energy and operational savings of $13 million over a 10-year period.
You don’t have to be a teacher to appreciate that math.
Serving 20,000 students at 43 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools and two associate schools, the Saskatoon Public School System had limited funds for infrastructure renewal. Their goal was to keep students and teachers comfortable while also reducing their costs of operating so many aging buildings. Their challenge was to replace aging equipment without diverting funds from education-related budgets.
Johnson Controls’ multi-faceted solution comprised:
- Upgrading lighting to more energy-efficient technology
- Replacing chillers and improving heating systems to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs
- Replacing windows and performing building envelope sealing
- Retrofitting urinals to conserve water
- Providing electrical service upgrades
- Expanding the Metasys® building management system for peak efficiency of major building equipment.
In addition to the $13 million cost savings over a 10-year period, the Saskatoon project has reduced the district’s maintenance backlog by more than $2.3 million. The retrofitted buildings are more comfortable and healthier for both occupants and the environment. And state-of-the art technology ensures that optimum conditions are maintained when the buildings are in use.
Taking Advantage of a Teachable Moment
Perhaps one of the most unique facets of the Saskatoon Schools energy efficiency project was the opportunity to teach the next generation about the importance and value of energy conservation. Johnson Controls provided a three-year Energy Education Program that includes in-service training for teachers, in-school displays, and energy manuals, Internet resources, home guides and energy conservation kits for the students and their families. The school communities celebrate the program’s success annually.