Anderson County officials and ESG representatives celebrate the kickoff of a $9.7 million energy-efficiency project in Anderson County Schools. (Photo courtesy Pam Crawford)
On Friday morning, the Anderson County school system celebrated the kickoff of a $9.7 million energy efficiency project that will make significant improvements to all 17 county schools, all with the aim of improving the learning environment, reducing energy use and, subsequently, the cost of energy across the system.
The Anderson County Commission recently approved a 15-year contract with Energy Systems Group—or ESG—to design and implement a $9.7 million energy efficiency and building modernization project throughout Anderson County Schools. All 17 county schools will receive energy improvements, including upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning—or HVAC—systems and electrical systems as well as energy-efficient lights, water conservation measures, and advanced energy management controls—including sensors that will detect when a room is occupied and adjust heating and lighting automatically, and new suspended ceiling systems.
Director of Schools Larry Foster said the “partnership with ESG allows the school system to address significant facility upgrade needs, which will enhance the safety and quality of the learning environment while contributing toward our goals for environmental stewardship.”
Foster also said the agreement is a “sound economic decision (as) the savings from energy reduction will more than pay for its implementation.”
Officials estimate that the school system will save about $620,000 in energy costs each year while conserving enough energy to power more than 650 homes per year.
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