PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Trane announced that its HVAC system will help New Bethel Middle School in Bryant, Ark., become the first school constructed in Arkansas to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction and Major Renovations (LEED-NC) as a Green Building. LEED is the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) voluntary standard for developing sustainable buildings.

"Trane's HVAC system will ensure our vision for an environmentally responsible school that provides an optimal learning environment for our students," said Dr. Richard Abernathy, superintendent, Bryant School District.

"Trane was instrumental in moving us closer to our goal of achieving LEED certification through the most energy-efficient equipment, an integrated controls system, and a performance contract that helped finance the new construction in accordance with enabling state legislation."

Trane's performance contract with the school will guarantee more than $50,000 in energy savings and more than $38,000 in cost savings over 15 years, the company said.

"We worked closely with Bryant Schools and its design team at every stage of the process, from touring green building sites with the Arkansas delegation, to grassroots lobbying throughout the state, and ultimately providing the school district an innovative technical and financial solution," said Teri Borton, director, comprehensive solutions, Trane Arkansas.

"New Bethel Middle School is the first new construction performance contract in Arkansas and the first one of its kind commissioned by Trane."

Publication date: 06/27/2005