2024 Renew America's Schools Grant

Project SchoolsInvestment grade audits will be conducted across all 30 school buildings listed below to determine what energy upgrades are needed for each building. Of these, 22 school buildings will be selected to move forward with construction. 

Energy upgrades could include, but are not limited to Lighting Efficiency Upgrades, Building Envelope Upgrades, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling) Upgrades.

Schools to Receive Investment Grade Audits:

• Goal 1—Implement energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects to achieve a sustained reduction in energy use and utility bills at 30 selected schools, 22 of which were included in the original grant application and an additional 8 as alternate selections.
  • Objective 1—Cost Savings—Reduce energy use through efficiency improvements and renewables to reduce utility bills by at least 15-30% (compared to the 2023-24 school year baseline).
     
  • Objective 2—Long-term Financial Planning—Reduce energy dependence to achieve more predictable and manageable operating expenses (energy costs can have fluctuating prices). New projections will be incorporated into budget forecasts for 5-10 years after Phase 3 is complete.

• Goal 2—Enhance the student classroom experience through energy improvements.
  • Objective 1—Improve Facility Quality and resulting Learning Environment—New LED lighting will reduce current distractions in the classroom from antiquated light fixtures (poor lighting, noises, flickering bulbs), improving student concentration and time on task, leading to improved learning.
     
  • Objective 2—Energy efficiency improvements recommended by ASHRAE Level 2 audits in Phase 2 involving upgrading heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and the building envelope can enhance the overall learning environment by improving indoor air quality and comfort in school buildings.

• Goal 3—Leverage Renew America’s Schools funding to multiply positive impacts across Wichita.
  • Objective 1—Environmental Impact/Carbon Footprint—Reduce schools’ energy consumption by 15-30% (compared to 2023-24 school year baseline) through energy efficiency and renewables, contributing to environmental sustainability and setting a positive example for students.
     
  • Objective 2— Educational Opportunities/Job training—During the energy audits portions of the project, students/adult trainees/union apprentices will participate in practical learning experiences on sustainability, energy efficiency, and/or environmental responsibility as a direct result of the implementation of funded energy-saving measures at WPS.
     
  • Objective 3—Community Leadership—WPS can scale improvements made in this project to other district schools and inspire local businesses and households to adopt similar practices. School board presentations on progress of the goals of the project will be shared with the community.
     
  • Objective 4—Provide Opportunities to Local Businesses and Job Applicants—Whenever possible, materials and staffing will be obtained from the local area and local labor unions by the Energy Services Program Management Team to multiply the impact of the grant dollars within Wichita. WPS will ensure that local businesses are informed of the opportunities to submit bids.

Project Technical Scope

Wichita Public Schools (WPS) Unified School District 259 intends to implement a scope of work that will provide comprehensive energy efficiency and facility improvements to enhance the learning environment of schools, reduce operational costs, and foster community development. The scope of work will include the following categories of improvements:

• Lighting Efficiency Upgrades - This will involve replacing outdated lighting systems with energy-efficient LED fixtures, which offer longer lifespans and lower energy consumption. These upgrades will improve lighting quality in classrooms and communal areas, enhancing visibility and comfort for students and staff. This upgrade will reduce maintenance needs and lower electricity bills, contributing to the district's sustainability goals.
   
• Building Envelope Upgrades - Improving the building envelope involves enhancing insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading windows and doors to more energy-efficient models. These improvements will help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduce the load on HVAC systems, and improve overall comfort inside the schools. Better-insulated buildings will also lower heating and cooling costs, contributing to long-term operational savings.
   
• Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) Upgrades - Outdated HVAC systems will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient units that optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation. These systems will not only reduce energy usage but also ensure better air quality and temperature control in classrooms, promoting a healthier learning environment. The upgrades will include new systems, optimization strategies, commissioning, and retro-commissioning to further enhance energy efficiency and comfort.
   
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations - The district plans to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on school buildings with beneficial rate codes to harness renewable energy from the sun. This clean energy source will help offset electricity usage, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower overall energy costs. Solar installations will also serve as an educational tool for students and the community, offering real-world examples of renewable energy in action.
   
• Staff Training - Staff will receive comprehensive training on the new systems and upgrades, ensuring proper operation and maintenance of energy-efficient equipment. Training will focus on best practices for managing proper equipment maintenance, operation, and life cycle costs.

These upgrades not only aim to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment but also align with broader sustainability and cost-saving initiatives, benefiting both the school district and the community we serve.

Budget Periods

This project is divided into two phases, aligning with Budget Period 1 (BP1) and Budget Period 2 (BP2).
 

• BP1 will begin with procuring an Energy Services Program Management Team and finalizing contracts with partners. Energy audits will be conducted on 30 buildings, split into three groups of 10. During these audits, students will engage in the process, learning about energy management careers and participating in the audits. After the audits, data will be shared at community listening sessions, gathering feedback to inform a data-driven strategic plan. Once the plan is finalized, return-on-investment (ROI) calculations will be done through measurement and verification, leading to the development of design documents, equipment schedules, and preliminary cost estimates. At the end of BP1, a Go/No-Go decision will be made regarding project scope based on these estimates.

• BP2 will proceed if a Go decision is made. Construction drawings will be finalized, and project costs confirmed through bidding. Schedules will be coordinated with staff and contractors, and compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and Build America, Buy America provisions will be verified. Initial construction will focus on lighting and building envelope upgrades, followed by HVAC projects requiring more occupant coordination. Construction will be monitored to ensure quality, DOE and WPS standards compliance, and adherence to timelines and budgets. Progress updates will be regularly shared with the community via the project website.