Honeywell helps Taylor schools improve learning environment while cutting utility costs

by Ann Withanee — January 19, 2011—Honeywell is helping Taylor School District in Taylor, Michigan, improve school facilities and infrastructure and save more than $550,000 in annual energy and operating costs, according to a recent announcement from Honeywell.

The $14 million energy conservation and building modernization program, which is partially backed by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, will enable the district to address deferred maintenance and boost the comfort and safety of students and staff.

The district will use savings from the program, which are guaranteed through a performance contract with Honeywell, to pay for the upgrades. As a result, the work should not increase operating budgets or require additional taxpayer dollars.

As part of the program, Honeywell will deploy a wireless mesh network that will provide broadband Internet access across all the schools. This will expand the district’s connectivity, and allow teachers to use interactive whiteboards and other advanced technologies in the classroom. The district will also be able to integrate online learning tools and techniques to deliver educational materials more efficiently and effectively. In addition, the network will be used for a new voice-over-IP phone system.

Honeywell will also install a variety of conservation measures in all 21 of the district’s buildings. Specific changes include:

• Replacing outdated and inefficient boilers and controls used to heat schools;
  
• Replacing lighting with high-efficiency fixtures and occupancy sensors;
  
• Updating and integrating energy management systems to help facility personnel track energy use and identify additional opportunities to increase savings;
  
• Replacing doors and windows, and caulking, weather-stripping and sealing doors, windows and building seams to reduce the loss of warm and cool air; and
  
• Installing new plumbing fixtures to decrease water use.