Ohio County Schools Energy Performance Project

Brief Description

• Ohio County Schools implemented a districtwide Energy Performance Project to modernize aging infrastructure and improve energy efficiency across multiple facilities.
• The district sought a strategic approach that would improve mechanical reliability while stabilizing long-term operating costs.
• AFP developed a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract that bundled multiple facility improvements into a coordinated infrastructure upgrade.
• The project delivers substantial annual energy savings while improving building performance and reliability across the district.

Why We Were Called

Ohio County Schools faced increasing maintenance challenges as building systems aged across district facilities. Mechanical equipment, lighting infrastructure, and other building components were becoming less efficient and more costly to maintain.

District leadership wanted a proactive solution that would address infrastructure needs while helping control long-term operational expenses. Rather than replacing systems individually as failures occurred, the district pursued a comprehensive energy strategy that would modernize facilities and generate measurable utility savings.

Key Achievements

• Implemented districtwide energy and infrastructure improvements
• Modernized HVAC systems across multiple school facilities
• Installed high-efficiency LED lighting systems
• Improved building automation and energy management capabilities
• Implemented solar photovoltaic generation
• Reduced long-term operational costs through energy efficiency improvements
• Improved comfort and reliability across district buildings

Setting the Stage

Ohio County Schools operates multiple educational facilities that depend on reliable mechanical systems and efficient building infrastructure.

As systems aged, maintenance costs increased and operational reliability became more difficult to maintain. Without a coordinated plan, the district risked addressing equipment failures reactively, potentially leading to higher costs and operational disruptions.

District leadership sought a strategic solution that would allow them to modernize infrastructure while maintaining responsible financial planning.

Our Approach

AFP worked with district leadership to evaluate facility conditions and analyze energy consumption across district buildings.

By identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, AFP developed a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) that bundled multiple infrastructure upgrades into a single coordinated project. The energy savings generated by these improvements help offset project costs while improving long-term operational performance.

The Work: Scope of Improvements

HVAC Systems

• Replacement and refurbishment of aging HVAC equipment

Lighting Upgrades

• Installation of high-efficiency LED lighting throughout district facilities

Building Automation Controls

• Implementation of building automation systems to improve energy management and system control

Solar PV

• Installation of solar photovoltaic generation

Water Conservation

• Implementation of water-saving improvements

Destratification Fans

• Installation of fans to improve air circulation in large interior spaces

Thermal Envelope Improvements

• Building envelope improvements to reduce heating and cooling losses

Results: Measured Impact

The project produced significant operational improvements for Ohio County Schools.

• Improved reliability of building mechanical systems
• Increased energy efficiency across district facilities
• Reduced long-term utility and maintenance costs
• Enhanced comfort for students, staff, and faculty
• Stabilized operational costs through predictable energy savings

The project positions the district to continue improving building performance while maintaining responsible financial management.

What’s Next?

With the successful implementation of the energy performance project, Ohio County Schools now operates with more efficient building systems and improved facility reliability.

The district can continue building on these improvements by pursuing additional energy-efficiency opportunities and infrastructure upgrades that further enhance learning environments while maintaining predictable operating costs.