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ABM presents energy-efficiency plan targeting $564,000 yearly savings for Catoosa schools
Summary
Facility-services firm ABM presented preliminary energy audits and financing options to the Catoosa County School Board, estimating about $564,000 a year (roughly 20%) in utility savings and a potential $13 million program over 20 years; next step is an RFQ and an investment-grade audit.
ABM Infrastructure Solutions told the Catoosa County Board of Education on June 3 that a preliminary audit of the district's buildings identified about $564,000 per year in potential utility savings — roughly 20% of last year's utility spend — and proposed financing upgrades so the district would not require upfront cash.
The company said it surveyed 10 schools and highlighted Lakeview Middle, LFO High and Ringgold High as having large savings potential, pointing to LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, retro-commissioning and building-envelope improvements as the main conservation measures. ABM's presenters said the district's total utility bill last year was about $2,700,000.
Board members were given a high-level financial picture: ABM estimated approximately $13 million in project costs over a 20-year horizon if the district pursued a broad program. The firm also discussed optional solar arrays that could generate additional revenue — an example figure of about $600,000 a year was described as a location-dependent projection that would require a detailed cost-benefit analysis and utility-company cooperation.
ABM described a three-phase approach: (1) a request for qualifications (RFQ) to select an energy services company, (2) an investment-grade audit that inventories equipment and models guaranteed energy savings, and (3) project pricing and financing. Company representatives said financing would be third-party and could take the form of a capital lease; they described using guaranteed savings and SPLOST proceeds to pay lease obligations so the general fund would realize relief.
Board members asked how financing draws, construction timing and school-year work would be handled. ABM said installations can be staged and performed during second shift so school operations are not interrupted; the first debt payment would begin about one year after construction completion so the district has time to accrue initial savings. ABM representatives said they guarantee energy savings and that, in the event of a shortfall, the company would be contractually responsible for the difference.
The presentation was informational only; ABM and district staff said the next formal steps would be issuing an RFQ and, if selected, conducting an investment-grade audit that would produce firm costs, guaranteed savings and cash-flow models. The board’s financial task force will meet with ABM and district directors and provide an update at the next board meeting.
Costs and projected savings reported by ABM in the board presentation were described as conservative estimates pending the investment-grade audit.
