Haldane’s aging boilers, for some years, have been a major topic of discussion at Board of Education meetings. Facilities Director Wayne Robinson regularly reports on the status of the boilers and their state of repair. There is little doubt that the boilers, through careful and meticulous maintenance, have managed to survive longer than would be expected. Heating options, whether steam, hot water or geothermal, have been explored by a heating subcommittee, and a feasibility study was done to try to evaluate the best choice for replacing the heating system.
ConEd Solutions has presented an option that they promise will not burden Haldane taxpayers. An Energy Performance Contract is a design for energy use throughout the school that aims to reduce energy consumption wherever feasible. A big savings in Haldane’s energy consumption will take place with the replacement of the old boilers with new, more efficient units. ConEd Solutions’ Energy Performance Contract would replace the boilers and make many other changes and upgrades to Haldane buildings that will save at least 40% on energy costs. The savings these reductions create are what would be used to pay for the upgrades, and ConEd solutions guarantees the savings. It is worth repeating that the Energy Performance contract will not cost the taxpayer, and the district will benefit from many upgrades in addition to the boilers that will contribute to efficiency, safety and comfort in the buildings.
The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Villanti are aware that Energy Performance Contracts may provoke many questions in the minds of taxpayers. At the September 21 meeting, Board President Dave Merandy, Vice President Joe Curto and Superintendent Villanti offered to answer any questions people might have about the Energy Performance Contract. Board members will attend the PTA meeting on Monday, September 27 to help explain the contract and answer questions. Also see http://www.haldaneschool.org/site_res_view_template.aspx?id=8d2619f0-a250-4a2f-8cb4-2593c3e62821 on the school website for links and information about the Energy Performance Contract.
Haldane’s School Board has agreed to hold a vote on October 26 from 7am to 9 pm for the community to approve the Energy Performance Contract. Though not required, voter approval qualifies the district for more state aid. Questions may be directed to Dr. Villanti at mvillanti@haldane.lhric.org, or call the district office at 265-9254, extension 115.
And please mark your calendar for the October 26 vote for the Energy Performance Contract!
2 comments:
Great information!
I'd like reemphasize support for this project. This project is a way to make needed upgrades, while adding energy savings and not increasing taxes.
If you vote YES, the district will:
- Replace boilers/add ventilation system WITHOUT raising taxes
- Save energy and use those savings to pay for the upgrades
- Receive an additional 10% in state funding for showing public support through a vote
- Receive guaranteed energy savings. If the savings are lower than projected, Con Ed Solutions will write us a check!
If you vote NO, the district will still need to upgrade the boilers, and must find another way to raise that money.
The boilers are a major priority of this project but we also want to remember there are other significant energy savings & facility improvements as part of the EPC. Currently the Elem wing has no ventilation other than an open window or door. The BOE made it a requirement that including energy recovery ventilation units to the Elem wing was necessary for adoption. Con Ed Solutions worked that into the financial model & we'll have that upgrade under the same guaranteed savings mentioned above. The energy savings are guaranteed by Con Ed Solutions and will be verified by an independent 3rd party per our contract.
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