BROWNSVILLE, Texas (PRWEB) December 04, 2018
Brownsville ISD (BISD), located in the southern tip of Texas, is working with Schneider Electric, energy and sustainability specialist, on comprehensive upgrades to transform facilities across the district and make campuses more efficient, effective and safe. In addition, Schneider Electric has worked with the district to facilitate a number of student engagement activities that will enable greater understanding of STEM concepts. These programs are designed for students to gain exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Schneider Electric has been working with teachers and faculty to engage with students on an educational level since it began working with the school district. For example, Schneider Electric employees helped more than 100 6th graders at Garcia Middle School celebrate Energy Awareness Month through a number of engaging activities. This included lessons that employed critical thinking skills to understand the importance of energy awareness as well as various sources of renewable and non-renewable energy. The students also worked in teams to construct a mini solar-powered car, donated by Schneider Electric, to reinforce the applicability of efficiency concepts. In addition, students at Castaneda Elementary School celebrated Earth Day by planting a tree and participating in educational activities about the environment.
“Schneider Electric has been instrumental in helping us improve our learning environment through facility improvements and unique student engagement opportunities,” said Dr. Esperanza Zendejas, BISD Superintendent. “We’re excited to work with an experienced, trusted partner for school districts like Schneider Electric to enable stronger education through not only engagement activities, but safer, state-of-the-art facilities for our students, teachers and staff.”
Like many school districts across the nation, Brownsville ISD faced many challenges with an extensive list of deferred maintenance. In efforts to offer BISD students the best facilities conducive to learning, last year the district initiated a strategy to access funds through a tax increase and leverage the money to fund capital improvements throughout the district. BISD partnered with Schneider Electric due to their expertise and proven track record, having successfully completed over 750 projects nationwide and saving its clients over $1.8 billion in energy savings.
Improvements are being made to the following campuses: Porter Early College High School, Garcia Middle School, Besteiro Middle School, Lucio Middle School, Aiken Elementary School, Paredes Elementary School, Southmost Elementary School, and the Margaret M. Clark Aquatic Center. The project includes lighting improvements, mechanical upgrades, and building automation systems.
- New interior and exterior LED lighting will have several benefits including brighter classrooms, better illumination for gymnasiums and improved exterior lighting for enhanced safety at night.
- Mechanical upgrades, which include modernizing HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioned) equipment, will improve building comfort and air quality throughout facilities.
- New building automation systems will help campuses control and manage their energy more efficiently and effectively.
“BISD is fully committed to offering all of its students the best learning environment, inclusive of upgraded and improved facilities,” said Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat, Account Executive for Schneider Electric and Brownsville native. “It’s been a true honor and privilege partnering with BISD to create a 21st century learning environment. We hope to continue working with BISD and help enable their mission of maximizing resources to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.”
The project will generate more than $1 million in energy and operational savings over 15 years and serve more than 45,000 students.
For more information on how Schneider Electric helps K-12 schools tackle energy efficiency, please visit http://www.bisdschoolupgrades.com, http://www.schneider-electric.us/enable or contact your local Schneider Electric representative.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management – Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software. In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency. We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment.
http://www.schneider-electric.us
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