Air cooled chillers, ice storage end afternoon holidays for NC students
"Our goal was never again to dismiss school because of classroom heat." Bill Gilbert had an ambitious mission, because as energy director for the Johnston County school district near Raleigh, NC, he had experienced classes being frequently dismissed because school buildings were simply too hot.
Johnston County operates 32 air conditioned schools and additional administrative buildings. It is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state, with an enrollment of 23,000, and adding over 1,000 students each year. Because of this growth, Gilbert looked for standardized energy solutions that could be applied in multiple buildings to save money on maintenance supplies and spare parts. As at most districts, holding down operating and energy costs is a priority.