Chillers, Ice Storage Provide Lifetime Savings For School System
RALEIGH, NC — “Our goal is never to have to dismiss school because of classroom heat. We schedule 188 days of classes each year, and we don’t want to miss any of them.” In this way, Bill Gilbert explains why the Johnston County Schools rely on air conditioning systems. Gilbert is the energy director for the district, located southeast of Raleigh, NC. He indicates that in years past, classes were frequently dismissed because school buildings were simply too hot for useful education to take place.
Today, Johnston County is the fastest growing school district in the state, with an enrollment of 23,000, and adding over 1,000 students per year. The growth is attributable to its location within the growing Raleigh metropolitan area, and along the growing I-40 corridor.