Facility Upgrade

CVHS plans a facility upgrade that will significantly reduce harmful pollutant emissions while saving $340,000 in annual energy costs, $9 million over the next 20 years.

Johnson Controls Inc., based in Milwaukee, will upgrade multiple aspects of the facility, including among others, replacing windows, improving mechanical, lighting and plumbing technologies, installing sensor controls, updating air-handling units and incorporating water-conservation measures.

Dr. Michael Lorenz, CVHS dean, says the improvements will reduce the amount of fossil fuel used to produce electricity and steam and lower pollutant output by some 12 million pounds, a reduction equivalent to the energy consumption of 207 single-family homes.

The agreement with Johnson Controls guarantees energy reductions and financial savings, Lorenz says, noting the benefits to students, the community and taxpayers will extend well into the future.