Building for Tomorrow: Telluride School District's Transformation
TELLURIDE, CO
Telluride School District (TSD) faced challenges in updating its facilities to be more energy-efficient and sustainable while preserving the town’s historic character. The district needed to modernize aging infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and improve resiliency, all while respecting the aesthetics of a highly visible and historically significant area. Additionally, financing such a large-scale project posed a challenge, requiring innovative funding solutions.
4.3M
Savings over 25 Years
6.5M
Worth of upgrades
33
Annual Utility Cost Reduction
16,000
CO2 EMissions prevented
Innovative Solutions
TSD partnered with Yearout Energy, now Energy Systems Group, to implement a comprehensive Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) that captured utility and operational savings, secured grant funding, and enhanced facility sustainability.
Installation of roughly 373 kW DC of photovoltaic solar to provide renewable energy and reduce dependence on grid power.
Installation of a 250 kW/550 kWh Battery Energy Storage System to improve energy resiliency and lower peak demand costs.
Installation of two Level 2 dual-port pedestal EV chargers to support sustainable transportation initiatives.
Upgrade of approximately 970 existing lighting fixtures to LED technology to enhance energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Remediated 34+ square feet of building envelope air leaks or gaps to improve insulation and energy conservation.
Upgrade of 1,100 kVA of transformer capacity to higher efficiency units to reduce energy waste.
Installation of snowmelt controls on snowmelt systems – To improve safety and reduce energy usage.
Replacement of 11 end-of-life roof units with high-efficiency units to enhance heating and cooling performance.
Upgrade of roofing systems to extend the lifespan of school buildings.
cost efficiency
The project achieved $4.3 million in utility and operational savings over 25 years, significantly offset the project cost.
sustainability
The district's sustainability efforts set a precedent for other buildings, encouraging broader adoption of energy-efficient practices.
history preservation
Facility improvements ensure a comfortable learning environment while preserving the historical and aesthetic integrity of Telluride’s landmarks.