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I am proud to report that Phase I of San Benito High School District’s energy conservation and sustainability efforts have achieved savings of more than $1.6 million in utility and operational costs and counting since June 2017. The reduction in electrical consumption of 5.7 MWh on campus translates to removing 200 cars from the road, preserving more than 31,000 trees from deforestation and powering 157 homes annually.
Millions In Savings Ahead
Rob Reading, Climatec’s Business Development Manager, reported the latest savings total to the San Benito High School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Mr. Reading has guided the district through our energy efficiency efforts, which are slated to generate nearly 1.1 million kWh of energy through their lifespan, saving more than $13 million in energy costs. Five years ago, the district engaged Climatec, a provider of building technologies and energy solutions, for $6.3 million-worth of energy infrastructure updates, including the installation of a solar PV system in the Baler Alley parking lot; campus-wide LED light modernizations; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) units and building automation systems throughout campus. With the help of Climatec, SBHSD was able to identify and leverage Prop. 39 grants and Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for funding. Our Board of Trustees approved the project in June 2017.
Energy Offset
During the first phase of the energy conservation project, we have offset 47 percent of campus energy usage. That number is slated to rise to an 87 percent offset in Phase II. This is the optimal percentage to optimize the economic benefit of solar production without over-producing energy where financial benefit is reduced.
Long-Term Benefits
As I’ve noted throughout the implementation of our energy-efficiency efforts on campus, these solutions will provide long-term benefits to our District, saving money while ensuring optimal learning and working environments for our students and staff to continue to succeed.
Climatec’s report also discussed the second phase of energy efficiency projects on campus, which have included the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems in buildings on the south side of campus. Delivery of the materials for new ground-mount and rooftop solar projects on the south end of campus has already taken place and the panels are scheduled for installation in October. PG&E permission to operate is currently expected in March 2023.
Mr. Reading this week noted that the District “was incredibly visionary in realizing the need to invest in their infrastructure – not just growing the campus, and building amazing new facilities, but making sure the existing buildings were upgraded as well both visually and for the comfort of students and staff.”
A Sustainable Partnership
We are proud to work with Climatec to continue and expand our energy sustainability efforts on campus. As our student population continues to grow, our energy consumption needs follow. Utilizing efficient, sustainable methods to heat, cool and power our facilities is the responsible thing to do both economically and environmentally. Thanks to our partnership with Climatec, every day is a great -- and efficient -- day to be a Baler!
Sincerely,
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum
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