The Princeton Public Schools has been approved to take part in Public Service Gas & Electric Co.’s “Direct Install” program for selected energy upgrades.
The school district will pay approximately 25% of the total costs of the energy-saving upgrades. It will pay $545,664 of the total $2.1 million price tag for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, which includes new boilers at the four elementary schools.
School district officials missed out on an earlier round of the PSE&G Direct Install program, but made sure to apply “on the second day” of the next round of grant funding, Business Administrator Matthew Bouldin told the school board at its July meeting.
The energy-saving upgrades include a total of 12 energy-efficient gas boilers, two electric HVAC systems and nine heat pumps, school district officials said. Heat pumps provide heat and air conditioning, and will be installed in the elementary schools.
The boilers will be installed next summer. Many of the other energy-saving measures, such as new roofs, are under way.
The state-of-the-art HVAC systems use less energy and optimize indoor air quality. They are replacing outdated systems in the six school buildings, officials said. High efficiency gas boilers will ensure that heating needs are met.
“These changes represent significant cost savings,” said Acting Superintendent of Schools Kathie Foster. “They underscore our dedication to being stewards of the environment.
“We are committed to providing students and staff with healthy buildings and environmentally conscious learning spaces.”
White roofs, which reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, are being installed on the school buildings. The white roofs, which will reduce the need for air conditioning, are expected to be installed on five of the six school buildings by the end of the summer, school district officials said.
The roof work is part of the 2022 referendum. The school district has been moving away from black roofs and has begun to install white roofs.
Jenny Ludmer, the program manager at Sustainable Princeton, said all of the work is vital to lowering the school district’s energy footprint. Sustainable Princeton works with the school district to design and implement sustainability projects.
