Western Massachusetts Electric Co. provided the rebates of $130,000 while saying the Putnam project will also save the city $190,000 annually in utility costs.
Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.
SPRINGFIELD – The new Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy will yield energy savings estimated at $130,000 annually due to state-of-the-art technology, and has also earned the city rebates totaling approximately $190,000 from Western Massachusetts Electric Co., officials said Wednesday
During a press conference at the new Putnam building, representatives of the city, school and WMECo praised the school’s design regarding energy efficiency including advanced lighting, and premium-efficiency heating, ventilating and cooling systems within the school.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the focus on energy savings is a priority when designing projects ranging from a new fire station and renovations to municipal buildings to the construction of new schools such as Putnam. The city benefits by the effort to “go green” as well as in saving taxpayer money, Sarno said.
Peter Clarke
Peter Clarke, WMECo’s president and chief operating officer, and Putnam Principal Gilbert E. Traverso praised the effort.
The $115 million Putnam project includes controlled lighting, controlled heat sensors, occupancy sensors, and systems that collect and reuse rainwater, said Clarke and two vocational students attending the press conference. Temperatures in the building, for example, are automatically lowered when the building is closed, lights shut off automatically, and the building relies of significant natural lighting, officials said.
The measures will save 1.1 million kilowatt hours per year, for the annual savings of about $130,000, Clarke said.
The effort is also important in the vocational high school setting because “the students can see first hand what the future of energy is going to be.
The building is much more comfortable than the old Putnam school with less cold spots, said Michael Lopez, 17, a junior at Putnam. He was joined by William Huynh, 16, a sophomore, who explained some of the technology used in the new building.
“People are starting to realize that energy efficiency doesn’t mean being uncomfortable,” Clarke said.
Sarno and Clarke praised the city-WMECo partnership in pursuing energy efficiencies, and pledged it will continue on future projects such as the Forest Park and Brookings school construction projects. The project is a showcase of energy savings without sacrificing comfort, Sarno said.
Traverso said Putnam has a great school and great students, and the energy efficient project is “nothing less than what the city of Springfield and the kids in Springfield deserve.”
The savings of 1.1 million kilowatt hours is almost the same as taking nearly 150 cars off the road, WMECo stated.
Superintendent of Schools Daniel J. Warwick said building a “green school” was a priority from the start of construction. In addition to cost savings, the school has a positive impact on the environment, Warwick said.