Manufacturer Reports

Bluestone Completes Energy Efficiency Retrofit for Milton Academy

Efficiency Project Will Save Milton Over 1 Million Kilowatt Hours

MILTON, Mass., and NORWELL, Mass. — Bluestone Energy Services LLC announced that it has upgraded the mechanical, controls, and lighting systems at Milton Academy, an independent college preparatory boarding and day school, as part of a campus-wide energy efficiency retrofit.

The efficiency project is expected to save Milton over 1 million kilowatt hours, 31,000 therms, and 1,800 gallons of oil annually, while yielding slightly over a two year return on investment (ROI) for the school, as well as gaining electric and gas incentives from NSTAR and National Grid of nearly $400,000.

For the project, Bluestone replaced Milton’s existing pneumatic controls system and installed digital controls to the HVAC system including pumps, valves, air handling units (AHUs), chiller, and heat exchangers. The new system allows scheduling strategies to be implemented on a zone basis, saving energy and reducing the need for expensive compressed air required to operate the pneumatic controls. Bluestone also installed variable frequency drives (VFDs) on the AHUs and water circulation pumps, further reducing Milton’s energy consumption.

In addition to the main goal of energy savings, Bluestone’s lighting design focused on standardizing lighting technologies and color temperature. Over 5,000 fixtures were retrofitted to high performance T8 (HPT8) technology. Also, LED lighting was installed in all exterior wall packs and decorative post tops. Dual technology sensors installed throughout the campus now allow for lights to switch off in unoccupied areas, further increasing energy savings.

“We are happy to have made great strides forward in our sustainability initiatives,” said Todd Bland, head of school at Milton Academy. “Our students can benefit from and learn about sustainable living practices through their day-to-day activities across our campus facilities.”

“We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to help Milton Academy update their lighting technology and assist them with other sustainability goals,” said Sean Fuller, vice president of business development and marketing at Bluestone Energy Services. “Energy efficiency measures designed and implemented by Bluestone reduced Milton’s total electricity usage by over 20 percent.”

For more information, visit www.bluestoneenergy.com.

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