Texas School District Remedies Soaring Energy Costs and Aging Infrastructure, Receives Award for Becoming Leader in Energy Efficient Learning Environments

Ferris Independent School District recently completed renovations aimed at increasing energy efficiency and indoor air quality while creating a high-performance learning environment at Ferris Junior High School, Ferris Intermediate School, the Ingram and McDonald Elementary Schools and the district maintenance facility. Additionally, the district built a new high performance high school to accommodate the district’s growing student population. The renovations and new facility make the district one of the most energy efficient and healthy in Texas.

To recognize these upgrades, the district earned the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education Award for its sustainable energy and operational efficiency building designs and practices.

Felix Wilson, business leader for Trane in Texas and Oklahoma, will present the energy efficiency award to Mike Bodine, Ferris Independent School District superintendent, today at Ferris High School.

About the school renovations

Until renovations commenced in February 2007, the Texas school district faced rising energy and maintenance costs, inconsistent lighting conditions and dated mechanical equipment.

Ferris Junior High School, built in 1985, and Ingram Elementary, built in 1972, represent the district’s oldest facilities. Some classrooms were below IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) standards for light levels in classroom spaces. Ferris Junior High School was the district’s high school until the renovations and new building were complete.

Outdated and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment (HVAC) resulted in high energy usage, excessive maintenance costs and unreliable operation. Further, the HVAC systems in these schools lacked programmability, allowing limited or uncontrolled building operations for temperatures and ventilation. Without programmable capability of these systems, the buildings were heated and cooled whether they were occupied or not. This was a huge waste of energy, not to mention taxpayer dollars.

“These renovations and our new high school have reduced our costs and helped us be better stewards of the environment,” said Bodine. “Just as important, we’ve provided our students and staff with an optimal learning environment. This award is confirmation that we’re on the right path for everyone in the school district.”

Specific green upgrades include replacing the HVAC systems with new high-efficiency systems at Ingram Elementary and the Intermediate School as well as district-wide lighting and plumbing renovations. Further, all district facilities are now controlled by a district-wide building automation system providing the ability to monitor and control each facility from one central location.

Ferris Experiences Dramatic Results

The HVAC upgrades provided as much as a 46 percent increase in efficiency in some buildings, and lighting efficiency improved as much as 60 percent in some areas. Overall, the project is projected to reduce the district’s utility usage by over 22 percent annually. The green retrofits are also providing a better learning environment. The new HVAC systems and the lighting upgrades are particularly effective, improving classroom conditions and making it easier for students and staff to concentrate on their work.

The Ferris Independent School District earned a $15,000 rebate today through a local electric utility company for the improvements they have implemented. The district also entered into a long-term service agreement with Trane to continually evaluate and improve the district’s school facilities annually to ensure maximum energy savings are achieved.

Complying with Texas Bill 5 and 12

Energy and operating cost savings notwithstanding, the district is achieving compliance with Texas bills 5 and 12 to reduce energy usage by 5 percent per year for six years.

Also known as the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, Texas bills 5 and 12 were enacted in 2001 and extended in 2007 to assist with Federal Clean Air Act compliance. The plan includes energy-efficiency measures designed to decrease electric consumption while improving air quality.

To comply, political subdivisions need to: implement all cost-effective energy-efficiency measures to reduce electric consumption by existing facilities; adopt a goal of reducing electric consumption by 5 percent a year for 6 years, beginning Sept. 1, 2007; and report annually to the State Energy Conservation Office. Program participation is not mandatory.

About Trane

Trane, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR), provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings around the world. The business offers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; aftermarket service and parts support; advanced building controls; and building and financing solutions including those that allow energy-efficient systems to pay for themselves through energy savings. Trane’s systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. The business has more than 29,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.trane.com and www.americanstandardair.com.

Trane has served customers in Texas for over 30 years, with seven sales offices, AfterMarket Supply parts centers and service centers. Trane in Texas has approximately 500 associates serving the needs of education, healthcare, government, manufacturing, lodging and retail, and other businesses in Texas.