An exciting project underway at Thompson School District is the Energy Performance Contract, which is improving lighting at 24 school sites and upgrading plumbing at eight locations.
The lighting project was initiated because fluorescent lamps can no longer be purchased in Colorado. The district needed to find a long-term solution to ensure our buildings remain properly lit and operational. In addition, some plumbing fixtures had reached the end of their useful life, and the district was looking for more ways to conserve water. This project provides solutions to all of those challenges.
Thompson School District utilized a Colorado Energy Office program to fund energy and water improvements through future utility savings. The project cost is offset by reduced utility charges and does not require bond funds. It includes more than $5.5 million in facility improvements that will not only save resources and money in the future, but will also help keep the lights on in our buildings.
The benefits of these upgrades include:
- Improved building comfort. LED lighting produces less heat than fluorescent bulbs, is not associated with eye strain, and does not create a buzzing noise.
- Reduced utility costs. Energy-efficient upgrades lower utility bills, allowing district funds to be allocated to other priorities.
- Improved sustainability. Reduced energy and water consumption helps support the district’s long-term environmental goals.
This week, upgrades are taking place at Ponderosa Elementary School. The project at the school is expected to take approximately seven days to complete. Ponderosa’s future looks even brighter!
To learn more about this and other sustainability projects, visit the district’s Energy and Resource Management department.
