Trane providing efficient systems for the district
The district is undertaking a major infrastructure upgrade in three of its buildings;
Improvements will include HVAC equipment replacement, LED lighting upgrades, and a thermal energy storage system. The system's ice tanks act as a battery for a building's air conditioning system, allowing the district to shift the electrical demand for cooling to off-peak, night time hours. The upgrades are already underway and expect to wrap up early 2025.
The improvements were funded through a combination of federal Inflation Reduction Act funds and a performance contract from Trane. The performance contract enables the district to pay for the upgrades through future reduced energy consumption and operational savings. Performance contracting is a funding option that provides measurable results to support educational objectives.
The district and Trane are also collaborating to bring two innovative STEM learning programs to West Branch district students in the Fall 2024 school year. The first, BTU Crew, is designed help create a foundation for STEM learning in students grades 4-7 and then bring it to life in grades 8-10. The program turns schools into energy learning labs with integrated lessons and project-base learning activities.
Students enrolled in the district's industrial maintenance program will be able to participate in data analytics education that leverages the energy usage data from the district's controls system to offer hands-on STEM learning experiences. The practical skills gained through this education will help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and the needs of the workforce. It also prepares students for two Data Analytics Certifications through the
These programs support
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About
West Branch Local Schools serves approximately 1850 students in grades PS - 12. West Branch is a rural district encompassing 111 square miles primarily in
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