McCracken County Schools District-Wide Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract – Phase II

Paducah, Kentucky

In Brief: The Project at a Glance

  • McCracken County Public Schools implemented the second phase of a district-wide Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract to continue modernizing facilities and improving energy performance.
  • The project addressed aging infrastructure across 10 district buildings, improving mechanical reliability and building efficiency.
  • By bundling improvements into a comprehensive energy project, the district was able to modernize facilities while generating significant operational savings.
  • The project delivers approximately $497,005 in annual energy savings, helping stabilize long-term operating costs.

Why We Were Called

Following the success of earlier facility improvements, McCracken County Schools sought to continue modernizing infrastructure across district buildings.

Many facilities still relied on aging HVAC systems, lighting infrastructure, and building systems that were increasingly inefficient and costly to maintain. District leadership wanted to build on prior improvements by implementing a coordinated strategy that would improve building performance while maintaining predictable operating costs.

AFP was engaged to develop a second phase of the district’s energy savings program, identifying additional opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability across district facilities.

Key Achievements

  • Implemented a Phase II district-wide energy improvement program
  • Addressed infrastructure needs across 10 school buildings
  • Modernized HVAC systems and lighting infrastructure
  • Expanded building automation capabilities
  • Implemented solar PV generation
  • Improved building envelope performance
  • Achieved approximately $497,005 in annual energy savings

Setting the Stage

McCracken County Schools manages a large portfolio of educational facilities that require reliable mechanical systems and efficient building operations.

Over time, aging infrastructure and outdated equipment had begun to impact energy efficiency and maintenance costs across district buildings. While earlier improvement efforts had addressed some needs, additional opportunities remained to modernize systems and improve building performance.

District leadership wanted to continue improving facility infrastructure while maintaining responsible long-term financial planning.

Our Approach

AFP worked with district leadership to develop Phase II of the district’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract program.

The approach focused on identifying additional energy-efficiency opportunities across multiple buildings and bundling those improvements into a comprehensive infrastructure project. By implementing coordinated upgrades, the district could improve system reliability, reduce operational costs, and generate long-term energy savings that help offset project expenses.

The Work: Scope of Improvements

HVAC Systems

  • Replacement and refurbishment of aging HVAC equipment across district facilities

Lighting Upgrades

  • Conversion to high-efficiency LED lighting systems

Building Automation Controls

  • Expansion and optimization of building automation systems to improve energy management

Solar PV

  • Installation of solar photovoltaic systems

Thermal Envelope Improvements

  • Building envelope improvements to reduce heating and cooling losses

Water Conservation Measures

  • Implementation of water-saving technologies and operational improvements

Results: Measured Impact

The project generated significant operational and financial benefits for McCracken County Schools.

  • Annual energy savings: $497,005
  • Improved reliability of mechanical and building systems
  • Increased efficiency across district facilities
  • Reduced long-term operational and maintenance costs
  • Continued progress toward modern, energy-efficient learning environments

The Phase II program builds on earlier improvements and positions the district for continued operational stability and facility performance.

What’s Next?

With the completion of Phase II improvements, McCracken County Schools has strengthened the performance and reliability of its facility infrastructure.

As solar installations continue and additional efficiency opportunities emerge, the district can continue expanding its energy strategy while maintaining predictable operational costs and supporting safe, comfortable environments for students and staff.

Project Type

District-Wide Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (Phase II)

Start Date

April 2023

Finish Date

November 2023 (Except for Solar)

Facilities

10 district buildings

Major Upgrades

  • HVAC replacement and refurbishment
  • LED lighting upgrades
  • Building automation controls
  • Solar PV installation
  • Thermal envelope improvements
  • Water conservation measures

Annual Energy Savings

$497,005

Project Cost

$9,707,200

Total Square Footage

1,053,892 SF

Client

McCracken County Public Schools

Lead Project Designer

Russ R. Litsinger,
Ascendant Facility Partners

Status

Project complete (solar ongoing)