Energy Improvements
VHCS Energy Improvements
Your State Grant Funding Dollars at Work to Create Modern, Comfortable Schools
Over the past several years, Vestavia Hills City Schools has utilized the Alabama Lieutenant Governor's K-12 Capital Grant Program and Advancement and Technology Funds to modernize our facilities in partnership with Schneider Electric. To date, we have invested more than $24.4 million in state funds to improve efficiency and comfort across the district, resulting in $1,000,000 projected annual energy and operational savings.
Phase 2 Updates • 2024 – 2025
- District-Wide Building Envelope Enhancements To maximize energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality, Vestavia Hills City Schools implemented comprehensive "building envelope" solutions across our campuses. By sealing the physical separator between the interior and exterior environments, we are able to maintain more consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the strain on our mechanical systems. Key improvements include:
- SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) Insulation: Applied SPF spray above ceilings to create a superior thermal barrier and eliminate air leakage and energy loss.
- Exterior Wall Insulation: Filled exterior block walls with specialized insulation to enhance the R-value (thermal resistance) of our buildings, providing a more comfortable learning environment regardless of the weather outside.
- Modernized Stadium Lighting: Installation of high-efficiency Musco LED lighting and entertainment systems at the VHHS Football Stadium. This upgrade benefits all students at Vestavia Hills High School including the marching band, athletic teams, dance groups, RISE, and the greater Vestavia Hills Community. The project was funded through a federal energy-efficiency tax rebate generated by the district's previous energy savings projects, allowing Vestavia Hills City Schools to reinvest savings back into district facilities.
Phase 3 Updates • 2025 – 2026
- Building Envelope Upgrades: Insulation, air sealing, and window film improvements across multiple district facilities.
- Water Conservation Improvements: Installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving restroom upgrades.
- Building Automation Modernization: New Schneider Electric smart controls for HVAC monitoring, scheduling, and energy management.
- Mechanical System Enhancements: HVAC control valve upgrades at Liberty Park Middle School.
- Athletic Lighting Upgrade: New Musco LED sports lighting and entertainment system at the VHHS football stadium.
Phase 4 Updates • 2025 – 2026
- Comprehensive Mechanical Redesign at Vestavia Hills Elementary West: Replacement of rooftop HVAC units and installation of new mini-split systems and a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to improve comfort and efficiency.
- Building Automation System Upgrade: Installation of a new Schneider Electric smart building automation system to monitor and control HVAC operations at Vestavia Hills Elementary West.
- Roofing Infrastructure Improvements: Installation of a new high-performance roofing system with added insulation on the main building at Vestavia Hills Elementary West.
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Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries in gyms to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
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Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge
- Mechanical & HVAC: Redesign and replacement of HVAC units in Building A (Classrooms, Cafeteria, and Office).
- Building Automation: Integration of all new Building A mechanical systems into the district’s smart automation platform.
- Roofing: Installation of a new roofing system and new gutters for Building A.
- Note: These upgrades complement the previously completed LED lighting and parking lot lighting projects.
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Upgrades include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries in gyms to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
-
Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries in gyms to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
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Vestavia Hills Elementary West
- Mechanical Upgrades: Replacement of aging rooftop units on the 2nd floor and installation of high-efficiency mini-splits in hallways.
- Smart Technology: Expansion of the Building Automation System (BAS) to the 1st-floor main building and Special Needs areas.
- Roofing: Targeted roof replacement for the original main building to ensure long-term structural integrity.
- Note: These mechanical and roofing improvements build upon the interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades completed in 2024.
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Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries in gyms to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
-
Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries in gyms to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
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Upgrades Include:
- Existing water closet flush and urinal valves will be replaced and upgraded
- Installation of aerators, shower heads, and faucets
- Installation of an air-cooled ice machine in the Training Room at the New Gym
- Installation of utility-grade water meters on the main campus meter, cooling tower, and practice field irrigation system with monitoring software platform
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Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Installation of new LED luminaries to replace existing high-bay fluorescent fixtures
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code
-
Upgrades Include:
- Installation of new LED flat panels to replace existing fluorescent troffer fixtures in classrooms and hallways
- Occupancy sensors to ensure lights are not left on when spaces are unoccupied
- Replacement of exterior HID luminaries with LED luminaries to eliminate lag time and full visibility in outdoor areas
- Emergency egress/life safety upgrades to bring current lighting systems up to code