DALLAS, TX - Midwestern Intermediate Unit (MIU) IV, the education service agency for schools in Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties in western Pennsylvania, is implementing $1,492,000 in facility enhancements designed to improve operations, comfort, and efficiency at its facility in Grove City, PA. The Energy Solutions division of TACÂ will complete the work as a performance contract with the organization. The enhancements will reduce MIU IV's utility costs by $11,909 annually when the project is completed in August 2008.
MIU IV is one of 29 IUs serving schools in Pennsylvania and provides programs, services, and resources to 27 school districts, nonpublic schools, and three vocational schools. The organization's facility, which was last updated in the 1980s, was in need of renovation. Rooftop air conditioning units, located on a roof beyond warranty, were at the end of their useful life; and inadequate temperature control and ineffective zoning throughout the building led to a variety of occupant comfort problems. Other areas for improvement included lighting and the building envelope.
"We wanted to renovate the building in a high quality manner that would meet long-term needs," said Cecelia H. Yauger, executive director for MIU IV.
Added Robert Barber, director of Business Services, "The performance contracting process, with its savings guarantee, gives us confidence that we will achieve the desired results of improved comfort, greater efficiency, and a healthy workspace."
Performance contracting is a turnkey method whereby the design, construction, commissioning, and performance measurement are incorporated into one guaranteed fixed price. Improved facility efficiency, comfort, financial management, and environmental protection are among the long-term results TAC delivers as the single provider accountable for all aspects of the project.
TAC will complete a comprehensive facility renovation for MIU IV, including a new heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system featuring a variable refrigerant volume heat pump, and an energy recovery ventilation system. Additionally, an energy management system (EMS) will allow the facility staff to monitor and control the HVAC from a single workstation as well as streamline operations and maintenance. TAC will also redesign the lighting, installing new, efficient fixtures and controls. A new drop ceiling will be added to accommodate the updated fixtures and replace ceiling tiles. Repairing the roof and adding air sealing and weather-stripping throughout will complete the project.
Benefits for MIU IV will include a fully renovated facility with a new HVAC system that will improve comfort, and bring the entire building up to code. The lighting redesign will offer better illumination and meet the new energy code, while the restored ceilings will create a more aesthetically attractive and consistent space.