ABM (NYSE: ABM), a leading provider of facility solutions, has initiated an Energy Performance Contracting program for El Paso Independent School District in El Paso, Texas. ABM's customized solution is projected to save El Paso Independent School District more than $14.8 million in energy and operating costs over a 15-year period, which the school system will utilize to upgrade its infrastructure in 14 schools. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2020.
“El Paso Independent School District is focused on positively impacting the educational environment for its students,” said Mark Newsome, President of ABM Technical Solutions. “We are proud to work with them to address their facility needs, while creating energy and operating savings for the district.”
El Paso Independent School District had an existing relationship with local mechanical contractor, PC Automated Controls. PC Automated Controls is a part of ABM Franchising Group’s Linc Service franchise network. The quality of service PC Automated Controls was providing the school district aided ABM in being selected to provide an energy performance contracting program.
Energy and operational savings will be achieved by upgrading and retrofitting lighting systems to high-efficiency LED systems, upgrading building automation controls and installing water conservation systems across El Paso Independent School District. ABM’s solution will provide seven facilities with significant HVAC system upgrades, while the HVAC systems at the remaining seven facilities will be repaired and recalibrated to help prolong the equipment’s lifespan. PC Automated Controls will be providing HVAC controls, which will give staff and faculty better control of the temperature within the classroom learning environment.
The upgrades are projected to save El Paso Independent School District approximately $862,000 in energy and operating costs in the first year, which will climb during the life of the program, resulting in projected savings of more than $14.8 million.
Along with upgraded lighting, building automation and water conservation systems, Franklin High School will have its central chilled water plant replaced.
In 2016, El Paso Independent School District voters approved a $668.7 million bond to rebuild campuses, renovate several schools, update athletic facilities, purchase new buses and make technology and security upgrades. While the bond will help the district with funding new construction and projects, school district officials wanted to be sure they could positively impact other district facilities not directly benefitting from the bond program, without incurring upfront costs or increasing taxpayer burden.
El Paso Independent School District selected ABM’s customized solution to cut costs and mitigate risks associated with unexpected equipment failures, while improving student comfort, and creating a more comfortable, productive educational environment.
ABM's Energy Performance Contracting Program will enable the school district to make these upgrades and minimize the impact on its capital budget. The program is designed as a financial solution to meet clients' technical facility needs and sustainability goals. The goal is to drive costs out of a client's operating budget, allowing savings to be reallocated to fund mission critical facility needs. Click here for a video on how ABM is providing facility and financial solutions to school districts without upfront costs or tax increases.
As the emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based careers and skills continues to increase, ABM is installing a STEM laboratory at the El Paso Independent School District’s Young Women’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Research & Preparatory Academy. The laboratory will allow the school to provide students with hands-on STEM-based learning opportunities.
“ABM’s customized solution for El Paso Independent School District will allow us to provide our students and staff reliable and enhanced learning environment using energy and operational savings, without putting a burden on taxpayers,” said Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations. "This will make it possible for the district to affect positive changes at each school and make a positive impact on our students’ educational experience.”
Highlights of the project include:
- Installing state-of-the-art LED lighting systems, facility automation controls and water conservation systems at each of El Paso Independent School District’s 14 schools
- Upgrading HVAC systems at seven schools, while repairing and recalibrating HVAC systems at seven schools to prolong equipment lifespans and maximize energy and operational efficiency
- Replacing the central chilled water plant at Franklin High School
- Addition of a STEM laboratory at the Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy
- Sealing building envelopes at 14 facilities
For more information on ABM's Energy Performance Contracting Program and other offerings, visit www.abm.com.
