Optimization of an entire school district
An improved power infrastructure and more comfortable learning: Bosch subsidiary Climatec is implementing a multiyear modernization program to benefit around 16,000 students at the Rowland Unified School District in California.
Nestled in the tranquil San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles, Rowland Heights – home to around 50,000 residents – is touted as “a hidden gem for families and nature enthusiasts.” Numerous parks, restaurants, cultural events, and leisure facilities attract fans of a peaceful suburban lifestyle. The prize-winning public Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) also enjoys an excellent reputation. Besides Rowland Heights, it also serves the nearby communities of Industry, La Puente, Walnut, West Covina, and South San Jose Hills. The schools have a reputation for being particularly family-friendly and progressive. They are enthusiastically committed to innovative learning and new technologies, in addition to protecting the environment and using natural resources frugally.
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Various measures increase comfort and save energy costs
Climatec, a Bosch subsidiary, has been partnering with the Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) for over a decade. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of its 23 public schools and provide more comfortable learning and teaching environments for the 16,000 students and their highly motivated teachers. The overall project to boost energy efficiency comprises several phases. Important milestones have already been achieved in the areas of lighting, HVAC, building automation, and use of renewable energy sources. “No needs have been ignored,” says Alex Flores, the assistant superintendent of administrative services of the Rowland Unified School District, about the ambitious project. “We found great success with our partner, Climatec, who helped our staff develop a holistic approach that’s unique to the needs of both our campuses and students.”
Interior LED lighting has been implemented districtwide, in addition to replacing antiquated heating and cooling systems with innovative new technology across all of the schools and installing state-of-the-art, energy efficient air conditioning systems in the multipurpose and gym facilities. Parents, students, faculty, and other personnel had all longed for these things to be done, due to the intense summertime heat in the San Gabriel Valley. With the help of solar panels, the district will now generate its own renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its dependence on local energy suppliers. In addition, the solar panels provide new shaded areas that make outdoor teaching and learning more comfortable. Improved ventilation, filtration, and air purification are also ensuring good quality air in the classrooms.
Summary
Over a period of 30 years, the greater efficiency achieved with this program will save the school district around 50 million U.S. dollars. The investments are mainly being covered by public funding. Plus: the savings can be spent on activities to additionally improve students’ performance and learning in the Rowland Unified School District. “The district is very clearly playing a pioneering role with this project,” says Ashley Cascio, an expert who is responsible for Climatec’s public sector customers. She’s convinced that the comprehensive measures will not only greatly benefit the environment but also hone students’ awareness of this topic.
About Climatec, a Bosch Company
For over 40 years, Climatec has steadily invested in the people, technology, and services needed to be its customers’ trusted business partner. Today, Climatec is one of the leading providers of building technology and energy solutions in the nation with over 1,000 associates across Arizona, California, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Climatec’s technology partners include the world’s leading suppliers of building automation, security and life safety, and energy efficiency technologies. And since 2015, Climatec has proudly been part of the Robert Bosch group of companies.
