Publication of plans, projects and progress through community updates:
Solar Project:
In the pursuit of energy advancement, CCSD has progressed from the preliminary study to a full study of grid capacity to implement on-site solar for the district. We were able to secure these studies at no cost with the intent to proceed if grid capacity comes back favorably.
The district can receive 81% of the cost reimbursement for the solar project through NYS building aid; however, community support through a public referendum can increase this aid to 91%. This advancement will offset the electrical consumption by 84% and pave the way for future improvements. We understand the community’s perception of solar power generation and are striving to make energy advancements with this in mind. This is an opportunity to reduce energy expenses and therefore reduce the burden on the community.
Heating and Cooling:
The revival of the GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump or Geothermal) project is underway. Experiencing the excessive heat index during the first week of school punctuates the necessity for the cooling this project will provide to the East Hill Elementary School. Ancillary benefits of this plan allow the temporary relocation of the window air conditioning units in the East Hill second-floor classrooms to be installed on the south-facing side of the Middle School classrooms. This will offer some resiliency until a permanent ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump) conceptual project can be realized providing cooling to the entire Middle School. It is imperative that projects like this be pursued in order to provide sustainability and resilience.
The GSHP project and the ASHP concept would move the heating source from natural gas to electricity which further amplifies the benefits of the addition of solar. Savings through the elimination of using natural gas for heating are compounded by the ability to generate the electricity needed for the GSHP and ASHP systems with solar power.
Electric Bus Mandate:
In addition to the GSHP and ASHP systems, the NYS mandate of transitioning to electric buses would also benefit from on-site solar power generation to supply the electricity for charging stations. 100% locally consumed electricity through solar power is the “On Ramp” for the district’s energy road map.
A proposal for the study of the bus fleet transition to electric buses has been submitted. If accepted, this study will be conducted at no cost. A study such as this is essential to discover the true scope and costs associated with this transition and how those results may affect the district. Having the resulting information will help us make educated decisions. The impact from this transition can be substantial and it is the goal to limit adverse effects in the best interests of the district and community.
Curriculum:
The energy curriculum is about to begin for High School and Middle School students. This school year will complete the development of the energy curriculum allowing for continued implementation into the STEM program. We are planning for a possible field trip to renewable energy project sites so the students can have first-hand experience and spark interest in pathways towards education and careers.
In closing, it is obvious that electrification is the Nation’s direction of progress. Your support is greatly appreciated. Help us help you……working together, we can accomplish great things. The district is striving to make these beneficial changes with the least amount of burden to the community. The energy advancement we are pursuing has positive environmental benefits that affect us all.
Zero emissions buses produce no tailpipe emissions at the school, in the buses and in the neighborhoods through which they travel. Solar power is not only renewable, it also is a zero-emissions power generation source. Decarbonizing heating and cooling with electrified technologies like GSHP systems is another zero-emissions advancement. Combining all of these can significantly improve air quality and reduce respiratory ailments. We are a Community-Based Organization and are aware that the community depends on us for many areas of guidance and support.
As a part of the community in which we live, work and play, the district’s vision is “Every Student, Together, World Ready”. These advancements through energy improvements and the energy curriculum are directly aligned with this vision and keep pace with the nation’s energy advancement initiatives.