In another step toward cost efficiency and clean energy goals, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) is on track to replace eleven 1998-vintage gas-fired roof top air conditioning/heating units with new all-electric heat pump units. Superintendent Peter Light responded to the grant award of $500,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER): “We are excited by this award to help us accelerate this important project for the high school and to save our taxpayers money. I want to express my gratitude to the Town of Acton for including us in this grant process.”
Superintendent Light underscored that the project will result in a very quick return on investment and monthly cost savings for the District in reduced utility bills, according to a Life Cycle Cost Analysis study of the project. In addition, the project will help the District progress on its decarbonization goals.
Superintendent Light highlighted the goal of completing this critical capital project without the need to go back to taxpayers. A substantial IRS tax credit from earlier green energy projects, along with the $500,000 DOER grant, will cover most of the anticipated cost, with Mass Save rebates providing additional funding.
According to Kate Crosby, energy manager for Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD), the new rooftop units will result in an immediate reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases that add to global warming. Reducing fossil fuel emissions is a key goal of the Acton Climate Action Plan. “Providing clean, healthy air for students and staff in our school buildings is a top priority,” said Crosby. “Updating these aging rooftop units is an important part of this core commitment.” She explained that the 11 units to be replaced are at the end of their service life. Replacing the existing units with new all-electric heat pump units will result in slightly higher upfront costs (versus new gas-fired units) but this will be repaid in two years through lower energy costs. The old units provided both heating and air conditioning, and the new ones will do so as well. There are approximately 45 rooftop units at the school, so replacing these 11 is a start.
In May this year, the Town of Acton, in partnership with ABRSD, was recognized as a “Climate Leader Community” by the Mass DOER. This award gives the Town access to significant state grants. A 2022 town electrification roadmap, with the eventual goal to move municipal buildings and schools off fossil fuels, lists potential electrification of ABRHS in 2033. The recently awarded DOER grant funding helps the High School move toward this goal.
Karen Root Watkins is the Education Outreach Facilitator for EnergizeActon.org, a community website and clean energy/climate education group sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
