Prior to 2013, Swansea High School was the highest energy consumer in Lexington School District 4. This was partially the result of an oversized boiler and chiller, an overworked air handler, and equipment which was at, or very near the end of, its useful life. The district was able to upgrade and optimize outdated equipment with a ConserFund loan from the Energy Office.
Waccamaw High School
Georgetown County School District (GCSD) applied for and received a mini-grant from the Energy Office in late 2016 to retrofit lighting to LEDs in Waccamaw High School. GCSD also made the investment to match the $5,000 mini-grant with district funds to bolster the scope of the project and convert more lighting.
Richland County School Disctrict 1
In 2011, Richland County School District 1 was able to install boiler-optimization control units in buildings throughout the district with a ConserFund loan from the Energy Office.
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) South Carolina School Success Stories
Eighty-six of South Carolina’s public-school districts participated in the ARRA programs administered by the Energy Office. The districts used the monies to upgrade outdated heating and air equipment, replace inefficient lighting, and install energy-management systems to help manage energy use.
Greenville County Schools
Through energy-awareness programs and energy conservation measures, Greenville County Schools was able to decrease energy use, while increasing technology in classrooms, adding new buildings, and building additions onto schools.
Rock Hill Schools, York County School District 3
Highlighting a rooftop solar project at Independence Elementary School, York County School District 3 showcased the efficiency and payback of renewables.
Behavioral Modification
Energy savings can be achieved through school faculty, staff, and students becoming more conscious about energy usage. Various schools are educating their employees and students on how to better use energy and providing feedback on how their actions are benefiting the school district.
Lighting
By installing energy efficient lighting systems, districts can begin to cut their energy costs while improving light quality in classrooms and reducing heat gain. As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), school districts across South Carolina replaced inefficient lightbulbs in classrooms and gymnasiums to improve energy usage.
Energy Management Systems
An Energy Management System allows an organization to centrally monitor and control devices like HVAC units and lighting systems across multiple locations. As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), school districts across South Carolina installed Energy Management Systems and/or Direct Digital Controls to better monitor temperature, lighting, and energy usage.