Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Harry S. Truman High School is getting some energy efficient upgrades that are expected pay off in the long run.
Earlier this month, crews began the $11.9 million project that will undertake the following work: heating system repairs, a new chiller, console unit ventilator replacement, adding energy efficient doors, and the addition of cooling the classrooms, according to Bristol Township School District officials.
Advertisements
The district is undertaking the upgrades as part of the state’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) and utilizing funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund to cover the cost. The project comes with a guaranteed rate of savings due to the work.
GESA projects are designed to upgrade building systems and spaces to increase operational efficiency and create energy savings, which helps pay for the work, according to the Pennsylvania Department of General Services.
State officials have touted the environmental benefits and cost savings of GESA, citing a state police GESA upgrade that exceeded projected annual cost savings by 20 percent.
Advertisements
“The energy use reduction in Truman High School will come from a combination of the efficiency of equipment, improved control HVAC systems and better insulated exterior door systems.” said Damion Spahr, a program executive at construction and engineering firm SitelogIQ.
The work will also include a replacement of the front sidewalk at the high school.
Advertisements
School district officials said a limited amount of work at Truman is currently taking place outside of school hours and in parts of the building that are minimally occupied.
Officials said the majority of the work will take place in the summer and any uncompleted work will be finished in the fall.
Trailers, dumpsters, and a crane will be outside the school for parts of the project.
Advertisements
“Safety precautions are in place to protect students and staff as the work is being completed,” the district said in a statement.
The school district has used the GESA program before to convert the Clara Barton Elementary School building to the district administration and transportation hub.
Advertisements
The neighboring Neshaminy School District has used the GESA program to overhaul several of its schools.
Below is the Bristol Township School District’s schedule for the work:
- Beginning April 11:
- Some equipment and materials for the project will be moved into the building and stored in secure locations (for example: the courtyards)
- Work occurring after school hours:
- Ceilings in hallways will be removed in some areas.
- Lights, security and fire protection will all remain in place.
- Some “in cabinet” HVAC work will begin in classrooms. All will be put back at the end of shifts to not disturb classrooms the next morning.
- One exterior door at a time in the classroom wings will be marked off, secured, and replaced.
- In the Middle of May:
- The existing chiller and pool rooftop dehumidification unit will be removed from the roof and installation of the new chiller.
- Beginning June 16 (or day after graduation):
- Work will begin during the day time when students are off for summer break.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
