CCSD Environmental Services recently finished the installation of 1,700 smart thermostats in all portable classrooms in the District.
?? Why it matters: The smart thermostats create a twofold benefit – they save CCSD $50,000 a month in energy costs and monitor air quality.
The backstory: A year ago, CCSD Environmental Services conducted an air quality study at the Adult Education Center (consisting of 17 portable buildings). The findings revealed that most of the thermostats were not working properly or were broken.
- The study prompted Environmental Services, using federal ESSER II funding, to bring this technology to all portables in CCSD.
What they’re saying: “Smart thermostats monitor comfort factors and carbon dioxide levels,” says Lori Olson, director of Environmental Services. “During school hours, teachers can adjust the temperature within energy-saving parameters.”
- The thermostats detect and send emails or text messages to the facility managers and HVAC technicians when the temperature or carbon dioxide levels are out of range. This allows them to see the history online to assess next steps.
What’s next: Environmental Services plans to seek EPA or U.S. Department of Energy funding to expand smart thermostats to more CCSD schools.
