DALLAS - The DePue Unit School District 103 in DePue, Ill., will lower its utility costs and improve operations, comfort, and efficiency at its facilities as a result of a $295,000 performance contract with the Energy Solutions division of TAC. A leader in energy services, building automation, and security, TAC will provide facility upgrades for the school system that are guaranteed, upon completion, to reduce utility charges by $13,000 annually.

TAC will install new lighting, a building management system (BMS), and water efficiency measures for the small district located in the Illinois River valley, 100 miles west of Chicago. Serving the Village of DePue, population 2,000, the district has 455 students in grades Pre-K through 12 and four buildings with a total of 66,000 square feet.

“The performance contract with TAC enables the DePue schools to conserve energy and reduce its utility bills,” said Tom Dobrich, superintendent. “The BMS will give us control over our buildings, and the new lighting will create a better learning environment. Because we will pay for most of the project with our utility savings, it is a perfect solution for our tight budget and aging facilities.”

Performance contracting is a turnkey method whereby the design, construction, commissioning, and performance measurement are incorporated into one guaranteed fixed price. Improved facility efficiency, comfort, financial management, and environmental protection are among the long-term results TAC delivers as the single provider accountable for all aspects of the project.

TAC guarantees the amount of savings performance contracting projects will achieve and agrees to pay the difference if that amount is not realized. Typically, new, more efficient equipment and upgraded facility automation systems generate the utility savings, as well as maximize energy efficiency and improve occupant comfort. Performance contracting projects are funded in a variety of ways, including general obligation bond funds, maintenance reserve funds, and financing secured against guaranteed energy savings.

TAC will replace existing inefficient lighting in the 46,000-square-foot main school building and in the 17,000-square-foot gym. The new lighting will both save energy and provide better illumination. A complete BMS system will enable facility staff to precisely control and monitor mechanical systems in the buildings. This will improve comfort for occupants, as well as help save energy. The water conservation measures to be implemented include low-flow toilets and spring-loaded faucets and aerators.

“Students, faculty, and other staff at the DePue schools will experience a much more comfortable place for learning and working as a result of these facility updates,” said Wes McDaniel, vice president of TAC Energy Solutions. “Basketball fans will appreciate a better view of the game this season as well, with the new lighting in the gym. Best of all, taxpayers will not be asked to provide more money to make all these improvements possible.”

For more information, visit www.tac.com.

Publication date:01/01/2008