WHATELY — Recently installed energy upgrades at Whately Elementary School could reduce costs by about 14 percent.
The project was funded through a Green Communities state grant, at a total cost of $136,500.
According to Robert Lesko, director of facilities for the Union 38 school district, upgrades include energy efficient lighting and a new energy management system.
“The new energy management system replaces the original control system that was installed during construction in 1991 (approximately 25 years old),” Lesko said in a statement. “It provides us with new technology and control strategies to run the heating and ventilation systems that serve the school.”
The energy system will change the building’s temperature during the day and night, controlling “five air handling units, 14 reheat zones and associated dampers and valves. It will also control building exhaust systems, site lighting and monitor and remotely alarm the kitchen walk in cooler and building sewage ejector pumps,” Lesko said. It’ll also monitor the system and report “critical alarms.”
As for the lighting upgrades, LED lights and lamps have replaced fluorescent lighting “in classrooms, corridors and offices.”
“In addition to improving light levels,” Lesko’s statement continued, “it is projected to save an estimated 37,283 kilowatt-hours per year,” which translates to approximately $4,334 in electricity costs.
You can reach Andy Castillo
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