The School District of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Energia and the selected Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) contractor NORESCO, is thrilled to announce a comprehensive $125 million project aimed at revitalizing and improving the learning environments for its students, staff, and the community across eight buildings paid for entirely by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This transformative endeavor, focused on energy efficiency not only modernizes heating and cooling systems, but is exceeding expectations, demonstrating the district’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

The primary objective of this ambitious project was to enhance heating and cooling systems in eight buildings, with particular attention to activating new heating systems for the upcoming heating season in five of these buildings. This substantial undertaking encompasses the installation of new boilers, hot water piping, unit vents, and various other heating equipment. Perhaps the most formidable challenge faced in this endeavor was the exceptionally tight deadline—everything needed to be fully operational by October 15, ensuring that heat would be available in time for the start of the heating season.

Despite the urgency, the School District of Philadelphia is working with Energia to execute the project efficiently, overcoming various challenges, including environmental abatement during the removal of the old systems and installation of new piping. Safety, meticulous planning, and precise coordination took precedence to enable the District to seamlessly carry out summer cleaning activities, ensuring that the buildings were ready to reopen in September. Throughout the process, the district’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of its students and staff was evident.

Additionally, the district addressed another pressing issue by proactively replacing central chiller systems in two buildings that had previously been impacted by extreme heat. This timely action ensured that classrooms remained comfortable and conducive to learning at the start of the school year.

The results have been nothing short of exceptional. Not only will the new boilers and heating systems in the five buildings meet the mandated deadline, but the project is also ahead of schedule. This achievement is a testament to the district’s precise coordination with NORESCO and its effective implementation. Additionally, the project is in a favorable position to advance into the next phase, which involves substantial demolition and environmental management. This phase is anticipated to be finalized during the upcoming summer, marking significant progress in completing the project.

This project’s ongoing success is a testament to the School District of Philadelphia’s unwavering commitment to providing top-notch learning and working environments for its students and staff. The District’s dedication to fostering a positive impact on the community is evident in its proactive approach, exceeding expectations, and delivering results that will benefit generations of learners to come.