PHOENIX – Climatec, LLC (Climatec) saves Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) over $3 million through Energy Retrofits with a minimum of 100% of the guaranteed savings in any three consecutive years of a 12-year period.

SUSD has been saving on energy costs over the last three years due to equipment upgrades and the increased use of solar energy. As one of the first districts in the state to implement a comprehensive energy management plan, the district has seen an annual savings of over $1 million. This result has exceeded the guaranteed energy cost & usage savings as guaranteed by Climatec totaling 162% in phase II alone. The district expects to continue to realize these energy savings well into the future.

“The program implemented by Climatec has delivered significant energy reductions and the guaranteed savings have exceeded our expectations. Climatec’s energy efficiency solutions combined with our solar initiatives make SUSD a clear leader in sustainability and energy conservation in a very challenging budget environment,” said Dr. David Peterson, superintendent, Scottsdale Unified School District.

For the past 100 years, SUSD has been on the leading edge of education in Arizona while placing a high value on energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. In order to meet energy savings goals, SUSD built a lasting relationship with Climatec through multiple phases of energy performance contracting. With limits on general fund dollars, Climatec identified key sites with inefficient lighting, antiquated HVAC units, and little to no control over its heating and cooling schedules. With utility bills & electrical costs higher than ever and an ever-diminishing O&M budget, the district was in desperate need of a solution.

Starting small with controls, lighting, and HVAC upgrades at one site, SUSD quickly realized significant savings potential. Climatec has since completed two additional phases covering a total of 12 schools. Energy conservation measures include a new, fully-integrated Alerton energy control system, new high-efficiency HVAC systems, central plant upgrades, comprehensive lighting retrofits with controls & occupancy sensor integration, vending machine power management, dashboard web interface integration, and solar PPA. Climatec helped secure a $1.2 million ARRA grant, substantial utility rebates, QSCB financing, and a 10-year municipal lease for the balance of the project.

SUSD is now considered an energy efficiency leader in Arizona education. With over 10.7 million kWh saved to date, SUSD is using 25% less electricity than before.

ABOUT SCOTTSDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Founded in 1896 by Major Winfield Scott, also founder of the city of Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Unified School District is now 112 square miles with 32 schools serving over 26,000 students and 3,000 faculty members. Its boundaries include most of the City of Scottsdale, town of Paradise Valley and a portion of Phoenix and Tempe.

Arizona’s most Excelling School District with 22 schools earning the state’s highest rating, Excelling. Through the Arizona Department of Education, all SUSD schools are rated as Performing, Performing Plus, Highly Performing or Excelling.