Tag Archive for: school

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San Marcos Unified School District Unveils District-Wide Fleet Electrification Transportation Center with Energy Infrastructure and Upgrades with ENGIE

San Marcos, CA and Houston – The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) today announced the unveiling of its district-wide fleet electrification project, marking a significant step toward sustainability and energy efficiency. This initiative, in conjunction with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), includes extensive energy infrastructure upgrades, aligns with the District’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while achieving substantial cost savings.

At the heart of the project is the transformation of the District’s transportation center. The District’s fleet of 84 school buses, has been transformed with new 33 electric buses (eBuses) as part of the first phase of the program. The new transportation center includes a microgrid for backup power, the installation of 40 eBus charging stations, infrastructure for an additional 35 future charging stations, onsite solar power generation, battery energy storage as well as microgrid controls.

In addition to the new transportation center, the project represents a major investment in the District’s future, with district-wide energy cost control measures including interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades at 19 sites and one sports complex, solar installations totaling 8,000 kWh across three locations, battery energy storage systems at two sites, and comprehensive HVAC upgrades at the North County Regional Education Center. These efforts are projected to result in $40 million in net energy savings over the term of the contract.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of these cost savings measures that promote environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” said Dr. Andy Johnsen, Superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District. “This project not only advances our sustainability goals but also enhances the learning environment for our students by ensuring that our resources are used effectively and responsibly.”

“Across the district, LED lighting retrofits at 19 sites will significantly cut energy costs,” said Courtney Jenkins, vice president of energy solutions at ENGIE North America. “The solar systems will produce renewable electricity that would otherwise be purchased from the grid, and battery energy storage will allow some of that clean power to be used during peak-demand hours to minimize utility surcharges. We are proud to partner with San Marcos to help enable such powerful environmental, economic and educational impact.”

Funding for this project has been secured through a combination of federal and state resources. The District is expected to receive $3.5 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as $1.75 million in local grants and rebates for the EV infrastructure. Additionally, approximately $11.5 million has been received through grants and incentives for the purchase of the 40 eBuses over the program’s initial years.


Keeping with local utility policies, the district plans to install additional solar capacity as more electric buses and chargers are deployed. The microgrid’s battery energy storage system will also be used to strategically store and discharge power when prices are high and the fleet needs to be charged. During power outages the microgrid will operate independently of the utility grid, drawing energy from the solar and battery storage system — and from the backup generator as needed — to keep buses rolling. This builds resiliency into the system and ensures that the district can get students home during emergencies and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.


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About the San Marcos Unified School District
The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) is one of the top five school districts in San Diego County, with blue ribbon, gold ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools, providing an unparalleled educational experience. SMUSD operates 19 schools and serves 19,000 students annually. Led by Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen and a five-member Governing Board, together they seek to cultivate an engaging and supportive environment by retaining the region’s top educators, where students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose, we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

San Marcos Unified School District
Amy Ventetuolo, PIO
cmiller@jsusd.org
760-803-4880

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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Ohio State Energy Partners Announces Winners of the Smart Campus Challenge

HOUSTON, May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio State Energy Partners announced the winners of the Smart Campus Challenge, a competition aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability at The Ohio State University (Ohio State). Sponsored by ENGIE North America (ENGIE), the event showcased eight teams comprising 29 participants, who presented their projects in a format reminiscent of ‘Shark Tank’ to a panel of judges.

The winning project, Utensils To-Go, aims to end the use of plastic utensils on campus. Utensils To-Go team members Hanshu Kotta, Jashnavi Bommana, Shreya Sree Morishetty and Dhaarini Prasad Sudha earned $60,000 in project funding and a trip to Paris in the summer of 2024. Partnering with a leading reusable packaging company, Utensils To-Go will introduce sustainable alternatives to plastic utensils, thus contributing to the university’s goal of diverting 90 percent of waste away from landfills.

“The Smart Campus Challenge provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity and address pressing environmental challenges facing our communities,” said Sarah Buckingham, data analyst from ENGIE. “This competition not only fosters creativity and ingenuity but also encourages students to address pressing issues while improving sustainability on Ohio State’s campus.”

In addition to the Utensils To-Go project, Team Mycoremediation secured second place with their innovative approach to waste management using fungal degradation. This project, awarded $20,000 in project funding, seeks to establish mycoremediation as an effective and eco-friendly solution to waste problems in urban settings. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Uniform Campus Recycling Initiative clinched third place, focusing on enhancing waste management practices both on and off-campus.

Ohio State Energy Partners is a partnership between ENGIE North America and Axium Infrastructure, which has a concession with Ohio State to own and operate the campus energy infrastructure. Committed to promoting innovation, OSEP contributes $810,000 annually to support academic collaboration efforts at Ohio State. The Smart Campus Challenge originated from OSEP’s commitment to utilizing collaboration resources while promoting sustainability initiatives at the university. The inaugural Smart Campus Challenge in 2019 led to the establishment of the Ohio State Food Recovery Network, highlighting the event’s significant impact on campus sustainability efforts. OSEP remains committed to driving positive change and fostering a positive culture at the University.

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About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 97,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contact Data

Michael Clingan
ENGIE North America
8327456057
michael.clingan@external.engie.com

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Dublin Unified School District Unveils $26 Million Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Project with ENGIE

District-wide Project including Solar Energy, HVAC and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to Deliver Savings Over 25 Years

Dublin, Calif. and HOUSTON – Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) today announced the unveiling of their $26 million sustainability and energy efficiency project. Working with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in the net zero energy transition, this project includes the installation of 4.5 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, HVAC upgrades, and the deployment of 66 electric vehicle ports across 12 schools and the district office, marking a significant milestone in the district’s commitment to green initiatives and fiscal responsibility. The district-wide project also includes a student engagement program that features internships, a STEM education program, and a living laboratory.


The project showcases DUSD’s dedication to providing a greener and healthier environment for students, staff, and the community. The comprehensive scope of this initiative encompasses several components including:

• 4.5 MW of solar panels: The installation of solar panels in 13 district-wide locations will harness the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy.

• HVAC system upgrades: The HVAC system upgrades will ensure optimal indoor air quality and temperature control, creating a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students and staff. These enhancements will also contribute to energy efficiency, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

• Electric vehicle charging stations: The introduction of 33 level-two electric vehicle charging stations across schools promotes the adoption of sustainable transportation options among staff, students, and the community. It aligns with DUSD’s commitment to supporting electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing emissions.

“Today marks a significant milestone for our District. We are thrilled to unveil a project that embodies our dedication to sustainability and responsible energy management. With the installation of solar panels, HVAC system upgrades, and the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations, we are taking substantial steps towards creating a greener, healthier environment for our students, staff, and our community. This initiative showcases our commitment to a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our schools,” said Chris Hobbs, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.

“This groundbreaking project is a testament to DUSD’s vision for a sustainable future, reflecting its dedication to promoting environmental responsibility,” said Jean-Francois Chartrain, Managing Director, Energy Solutions Americas at ENGIE. “The anticipated benefits of this project extend far beyond environmental sustainability. Over a 25-year period, it is estimated that the project will yield a net savings of $30 million. These savings will be reinvested into educational programs, improving facilities, and enhancing the overall educational experience for students.”

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About the Dublin Unified School District
The Dublin Unified School District serves over 12,900 students, from preschool through adult education, in a diverse suburban environment. The district comprises seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one K-8 school, one alternative high school, and one comprehensive high school, with a second under construction. The Dublin Unified School District’s mission is to educate every student to become a lifelong learner by providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters collective responsibility for each student’s success.

The Dublin Unified School District is ranked as one of the “Best School Districts in California” and its schools have been recognized with numerous accolades, including Advanced Placement Honor Roll, National Blue Ribbon School, Gold Ribbon Award, Project Lead The Way Distinguished School, California School of Character, National School of Character, Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll, California Distinguished School, and Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.

About ENGIE North America
Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.


Contacts:

Dublin Unified School District
Sarah Lopez, Director of Communications and Community Engagement
lopezsarah@dublinusd.org
925-828-2551

ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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