GREENSBORO, N.C., (Dec. 17, 2012) — Brady, a Trane independent office providing energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, has begun facility improvements to enhance the learning environment in 15 Duplin County School buildings. Trane is a leading global provider of indoor comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand.
School administrators expect the upgrades to generate $6.9 million in energy savings over the next 15 years while providing better lighting and temperature control. Upgrades were needed to replace aging equipment, improve the learning environment and reduce the consumption of fuel oil and water.
Duplin County Schools funded the $4.6 million in upgrades with a performance contract, which allows the district to use future energy and operational savings to finance infrastructure improvements up front. Performance contracting is a funding option that provides measurable business results to support strategic objectives.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to make improvements in our buildings,” says Austin Obasohan, superintendent of Duplin County Schools. “Student achievement is our number one priority and we want all of our classrooms and buildings to provide a great atmosphere for learning and instruction. Being able to provide our students with an improved environment and to be better stewards of our natural resources by being more energy efficient at no cost to our tax payers is a winning combination.”
The improvements include lighting upgrades, new heating, ventilation and air- conditioning equipment, as well as building automation. When complete, the school system is expected to reduce its annual consumption by:
- More than 1 million kWh of electricity and 20,730 therms of fuel oil the average annual usage by 69 households*
- More than 2.9 million gallons of water the average annual usage of 114 people**
*Based on estimated average household usage according to the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration,
**Based on estimated average per capita usage the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Geological Survey.
About Duplin County Schools:
Located in rural Eastern North Carolina, Duplin County Schools serves over 9,000 students in grades pre- kindergarten through 13th grade. Duplin County Schools is one of two school districts in the nation following a district-wide early college approach to seamless education. Through a partnership with James Sprunt Community College and the North Carolina New Schools Project, Duplin students are immersed in a college-going climate and culture beginning in pre-kindergarten. The goal for each child is college, career, and life success. For more information, visit duplinschools.net or call the office of public information at 910.296.6623.
Subscribe Now to receive these posts by email.