Lyon County Schools Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract

Brief Description

• Lyon County Public Schools needed a long-term plan to address aging building systems across the district.
• Mechanical systems were becoming less reliable and more expensive to maintain.
• The district wanted a proactive approach that would improve infrastructure while stabilizing long-term operational costs.
• AFP evaluated district facilities and identified energy-efficiency opportunities that could offset project costs.
• The resulting Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract allowed multiple infrastructure improvements to be implemented while generating measurable utility savings.

Why We Were Called

Lyon County Schools faced increasing maintenance challenges and unpredictable costs as building systems aged across multiple facilities.

District leadership recognized that addressing equipment failures individually would likely lead to escalating maintenance expenses and inefficient capital spending. Instead, they sought a strategic partner to help develop a comprehensive solution that would improve system reliability while managing long-term financial impacts.

AFP was engaged to evaluate facility conditions, analyze energy consumption, and develop a plan that would allow the district to modernize infrastructure through guaranteed energy savings.

Key Achievements

• Implemented districtwide infrastructure improvements across multiple school facilities
• Replaced or upgraded aging HVAC systems
• Installed high-efficiency LED lighting
• Implemented building automation controls for improved energy management
• Reduced annual utility costs by approximately $61,671
• Improved reliability and performance of critical building systems
• Enhanced comfort for students and staff across district buildings

Setting the Stage

Lyon County Schools operated several aging facilities that relied on mechanical systems approaching the end of their useful lives.

Over time, HVAC systems, lighting infrastructure, and other building components had become less efficient and increasingly costly to maintain. Without a coordinated plan, the district faced the likelihood of addressing equipment failures reactively, which could lead to budget disruptions and operational challenges.

Leadership needed a strategy that would allow them to modernize infrastructure while protecting the district’s financial stability.

Our Approach

AFP conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the district’s facilities to identify opportunities for energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements.

Rather than implementing isolated repairs, AFP developed a districtwide Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) that bundled multiple improvements into a coordinated project. The energy savings generated by these upgrades helped offset the cost of implementation, allowing the district to address critical needs while maintaining predictable operating costs.

The Work: Scope of Improvements

HVAC Systems

• Replacement and refurbishment of aging HVAC equipment across district facilities

Lighting Upgrades

• Installation of high-efficiency LED lighting systems

Building Automation Controls

• Implementation of advanced building automation systems to optimize energy performance

Solar PV

• Installation of solar photovoltaic systems to supplement energy generation

Water Conservation

• Implementation of water-saving measures

Kitchen Hood Controls

• Energy-efficient ventilation controls in food service areas

Destratification Fans

• Improved air circulation in large interior spaces

Building Envelope Improvements

• Improvements to insulation and building envelope performance

Results: Measured Impact

The project produced measurable operational and financial benefits for Lyon County Schools.

• Annual energy savings of approximately $61,671
• Improved mechanical reliability across district buildings
• Reduced maintenance risks associated with aging equipment
• Improved energy efficiency and building performance
• Stabilized operating costs and better long-term financial predictability

Through a coordinated infrastructure improvement strategy, the district was able to modernize facilities while maintaining responsible financial planning.

What’s Next?

With the successful completion of the Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract, Lyon County Schools now operates with more reliable building systems and improved energy performance.

The district can continue building on these improvements by pursuing additional energy-efficiency initiatives and infrastructure upgrades that further enhance learning environments while protecting operational budgets.