ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

Sauk Trail Elementary School
2205 Branch Street
Middleton, WI 53562
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Sauk Trail Elementary School, part of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, opened its doors in 1963.  The district began an energy program in 2004 and completed a major renovation of the school in 2006. Through structural and behavioral changes, the school was able to increase its energy efficiency and earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance in 2007.

Among the major improvements made to the school was the conversion of the steam system to a hot water system.  The new system improved indoor comfort while greatly reducing energy use, resulting in substantially increased savings. This major renovation dovetailed closely with the district's newly initiated energy program.  Supported by Energy Education, Inc. and led by a newly hired energy manager, the program yielded immediate results. The heart of the program is the encouragement of energy-efficient behaviors such as turning off lights and computers when not in use.

Improvements were also made to HVAC systems, lighting, and operational strategies. In addition to the new gas-fired modular hot water system, energy-efficient univents and modular boilers were installed, and more cost-effective circulation pumps and frequency drives were used. The air handling units were modernized, a chiller system was added to provide cooling, the roof insulation was increased, and exhaust fans were upgraded to more efficient models. Direct Digital Controls (DDC) were also installed to maintain equipment scheduling and monitoring. Lighting improvements included the use of lighting controls and changing out expensive metal halide lamps to energy-efficient T-8 fixtures in the gymnasium. Operational improvements included using DDC to effectively reduce hours of service for heating, cooling, and lighting. Energy shutdowns are scheduled during winter, spring, summer, and special schedule opportunities, and staff are instructed to shut off all unnecessary equipment and use lighting on a reduced level whenever possible. Lastly, exhaust vents are shut during unoccupied periods, and carpets are only cleaned utilizing fans and dehumidifiers during periods of dry, mild weather.

Through this increased focus on replacing aging equipment and initiating a positive people-based energy program, Sauk Trail Elementary School has become an example of the commitment to increased energy efficiency and ongoing achievement in all areas.

Communications:

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Testimonial:

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Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Middleton Cross Plains Area School District or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.

Building Owner:*
Middleton Cross Plains Area School District

Property Manager:*
N/A

Year(s) Labeled (Rating):
2007 (94)
2009 (98)
2010 (97)
2011 (97)
2013 (97)
2014 (93)
2015 (97)
2016 (99)

Facility Type: K-12 School

Total Floorspace: 57846 sf

Year Constructed: 1953

Contract Type: None

Technologies Used:

Stage 1-Recommissioning

Stage 2-Lighting

Stage 3-Load Reductions

Stage 5-Heating and Cooling Plant