Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Peabody School Complex
Public Works provided project management of energy efficiency upgrades to the Peabody School, Gately Youth Center and O’Neill Branch Library. These three facilities share a hot and chilled water system that was a source of high energy use and numerous comfort complaints. These efficiency upgrades are projected to save an estimated 106,700 kilowatt hours/year and 10,800 therms/year, resulting in avoided costs of approximately $31,000/year for the City. These energy savings prevent the release of over 285,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere annually, the equivalent of removing 27 cars from the road.
Utilizing Green Community grant funds and rebates from NSTAR, improvements include the installation of ventilation controls and variable frequency drives to the shared HVAC system, as well as high efficiency spray valves and refrigeration controls in the Peabody School kitchen. Additionally, existing lighting in the Peabody School cafeteria and hallways were replaced with high-efficiency lamps and fixtures that respond to daylight and occupant activity.