Greenburgh Central School District and RWE Partner on $20.5M Construction of Distributed Renewable Energy Solutions and Energy Efficiency Improvements Groundbreaking Ceremony at Woodlands Field Kicks-Off Project
Greenburgh, NY, August 27, 2024 - The Greenburgh Central School District, through its partnership with RWE, a leading renewable energy company in the U.S., is embarking on an energy performance contract (EPC) which will result in energy cost savings for the District and improvements in sustainability. In May 2024, the District awarded RWE Clean Energy a $20.5M Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), which included developing and implementing a range of renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency improvements at eight District facilities. The estimated duration for the project is 12 months.
Leaders representing GCSD and RWE came together today for a groundbreaking ceremony at Woodlands High School’s field to recognize the start of the project. The District was also thrilled to have New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in attendance, as she has been a strong advocate for education as well as a leader on climate change legislation.
It is common for public school districts in New York State to engage in an EPC, which is an agreement by an Energy Service Company for the provision of energy services in which energy systems are installed, maintained, or managed to improve the energy efficiency of, or produce energy for, a facility in exchange for a portion of the energy savings.
The project includes:
- The installation of a 600 kW AC carport Solar PV system integrated with 775 kW AC capacity of Battery Energy Storage.
- Additional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), such as district-wide LED lighting, natural gas services, updated boiler/water heaters, building envelope measures and air quality improvements through upgraded motors and air handlers.
- The District will receive $900,000 in rebates from NYSERDA for the proposed solar PV system and an additional ~$2.5M in Investment Tax Credit.
The installed solutions and efficiency improvements will be funded through the energy savings generated over the project’s term, without state aid, making it a net cost-neutral initiative. This partnership will implement renewable energy systems, enhancing energy resiliency and reducing carbon emissions while improving building operations and comfort for students and teachers.
“Our District is excited that this EPC will provide significant upgrades and improvements to our facilities while reducing carbon emissions at no cost to our taxpayers,” said GCSD Assistant Superintendent for Business Lisa Raymond “We appreciate the partnership with RWE and the comprehensive solution they provided to the District.”
Thomas Sweeney, SVP of Distributed Clean Energy, RWE said: “We are proud to be Greenburgh Central School District’s long-term energy partner and look forward to delivering a very impactful energy performance project that will result in significant energy savings, resiliency, and improved facility performance and comfort that will benefit students and staff for years to come.”